Sambucus ebulus

RHS Plant Profile

dwarf elder

Other common names

blood hilder, Dane ball, Dane's blood, Dane's elder, Dane's weed, Daneweed, Danewort, deadwort, ground elder, wallwort

Herbaceous Perennial

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An herbaceous perennial, that grows between 1–2m tall, with an upright habit and green pinnate leaves that release a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed. From June to August, it produces flat-topped clusters of pinkish-white flowers, each 10–15 cm in diameter, with a fragrance reminiscent of bitter almonds. In autumn, these are followed by small, glossy black berries, measuring 5–6 mm in diameter

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Viburnaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: Yes
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Clump forming
Potentially harmful: Harmful if eaten; fruit/flowers edible if cooked. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten; fruit/flowers edible if cooked - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus: Sambucus can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs or small trees, with pinnate leaves and umbels or panicles of small creamy-white flowers followed by red, white or black berries
Name Status: Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Wildlife gardens

Pruning

For more information see our page on cutting back herbaceous perennials

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt and honey fungus