Overview

Sambucus ebulus is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Sambucus, part of the Viburnaceae family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Sambucus ebulus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Flanders.

About

Sambucus ebulus is a herbaceous perennial that typically reaches about 1.2 m and flowers in the UK from May to July. It prefers a sunny position in moist but well‑drained soils, and will grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils. The species is native to parts of Belgium and established in nearby regions. Wear gloves when handling because the plant is harmful if eaten, although fruit and flowers become edible after cooking.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sambucus ebulus

About the genus

Sambucus is a genus of between 20 and 30 species of flowering plants in the family Viburnaceae. The various species are commonly referred to as elder, with the flowers as elderflower, and the fruit as elderberry.

Wikipedia contributors, "Sambucus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sambucus

In the garden

Sambucus ebulus is a herbaceous perennial native to regions of Belgium including the Brussels‑Capital Region, Flemish and Walloon Regions. In the UK it behaves as a fully hardy perennial (H7; USDA zones 4–8) and flowers from May to July. Give it full sun and a reliably moist but well‑drained soil; it will tolerate sandy, loamy and clay textures provided water does not sit on the crowns. Plant at a depth consistent with neighbouring perennials and allow enough space for stems to reach about 1.2 m. Mulch can help retain moisture through drier spells but avoid waterlogging. Use dwarf elder where a herbaceous, upright perennial of around 1 m height is wanted in a sunny border or naturalistic planting. Take care when cutting back or deadheading and when handling seedheads, because the species is harmful if eaten. The fruit and flowers are only considered edible after cooking, and gloves or other protective equipment are recommended during pruning or removal.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sambucus

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Sambucus ebulus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous perennial

Height

1.2 m

Native to

Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders

Toxicity

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

Frequently asked questions