Is Dwarf Elder poisonous to pets?
Yes, Sambucus ebulus is considered toxic to pets. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, and contact with sap may cause skin irritation.
Dwarf Elder (Sambucus ebulus)
Sambucus ebulus, commonly known as Dwarf Elder, is a herbaceous perennial plant with clusters of white flowers followed by dark purple-black berries.
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Watering
Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
Soil
Prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Tolerates a range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
Temperature
Thrives in moderate temperatures.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Care Requirements
Light
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Adapts to various light conditions.
Water
Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
Especially during dry spells.
Soil
Prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Tolerates a range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
Temperature
Thrives in moderate temperatures.
Ideal growing range is 15-25 °C.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Avoid over-fertilizing.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Category
Flowering, Fruit
Plant Place Type
Ground, Garden
Plant Environment
Outdoor
Lifespan
Perennials
Plant Height
1-2 m
Spread
1-1.5 m
Growth Rate
Moderate
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Compound
Flower Size
0.5 cm
Weed Status
Yes
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Ebulum humile (Mill.) Garcke
Sambucus deborensis (Košanin) Košanin
Sambucus humilis Mill.
Sambucus paucijuga Steven
Viburnum ebulus (L.) Martinovský
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderDipsacales
- familyViburnaceae
- genusSambucus
- speciesSambucus ebulus
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
Yes
Rating: 4/5
Toxic for pets
Yes
Rating: 4/5
Edible
No
Additional Care Tips
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Cut back to ground level if desired.
Easily propagated by division of clumps in early spring or by seed. Seed propagation may require stratification.
Not typically repotted as it is a large herbaceous perennial grown in the ground. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years.
FAQs
Are the berries of Dwarf Elder edible?
The berries of Sambucus ebulus are not typically eaten raw by humans as they can cause digestive upset. They may be used for jams or jellies after cooking, but caution is advised.
How does Sambucus ebulus spread?
Sambucus ebulus spreads aggressively via underground rhizomes, which can make it difficult to control and lead to dense thickets.
What are the ideal growing conditions for Dwarf Elder?
It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. Regular watering is beneficial, especially during dry periods.
Is Dwarf Elder considered an invasive plant?
Yes, Sambucus ebulus is often considered an invasive weed in many regions due to its aggressive spreading habit and ability to outcompete native vegetation.