Dwarf Elder

(Sambucusebulus L., Caprifoliaceae)

Also Called: Danewort.

Description: Perennial herb with stout, creeping rhizome.
Stem 50cm-1.5m (1.5-5ft) high and falling to the ground in autumn.
Leaves imparipinnate of 5 9 leaflets up to 6cm (2.5in) long, slightly hairy and with dentate margin.
Flowers, with a sweet odour, resembling bitter almonds, arranged in a large flat umbel (false); corolla 6-8mm (0.2-0 3in), of 5 white or pink-tinged segments; stamens purple.
Flowering: June-August

Part Used: Dried rhizome and roots; rarely the fresh berries.

Habitat and Collection: In central and southern Europe in uncultivated moist places, in hedges and ditches.
Scattered throughout Britain but rare in northern Scotland.

Constituents and Action: Dwarf elder root contains traces of volatile oil and substances that are sudorific, diuretic and emetic.
In large doses the root and the fruit induce vertigo and nausea.
The plant is poisonous.

Usage: An infusion (boil for 5 minutes a teaspoonful of finely chopped root with 0.5 litre (1 pt) of water and allow to stand) as a diuretic for dropsy and rheumatism.
It should be used with caution.