Plant Profile

SambucusSambucus

Elder is a fast-growing native shrub valued for its edible flowers and berries. It is robust, easy to care for, and offers valuable ecological benefits. Ideal for naturalistic gardens and for producing juices, syrups, and jellies.

ShrubsMoschatel family
Calendar
Sambucus (Sambucus): plant portrait - Shrubs, Moschatel family, Harvest July - September
Sambucus: plant portrait. harvest: July - September.

Quick profile

Key data

Growing calendar
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Direct sowing outdoors
Planting outdoors
Harvest
Pruning
Direct sowing outdoorsPlanting outdoorsHarvestPruning

Suitable growing locations:

Outdoor garden bedRaised bed

Good neighbors

Herbs (e.g., Thyme, Rosemary, Sage)BeansStrawberry

Avoid

potatotomato

Indoor & direct sowing

Sambucus: Sowing and germination

Indoor sowing

Elder is generally not started indoors.

Direct sowing outdoors

Sowing seeds is possible, but germination can be irregular. Young plants or cuttings are often used.

Seed depth1 - 2 cm
Germination temp18 - 22 °C
Germination time30 - 90 days
Light germinatorNo
Dark germinatorYes
Cold germinatorYes
Stratification neededYes
Pre-soaking recommendedYes

Planting & site

Sambucus: Planting and spacing

Planting outdoors

Young plants or cuttings can be planted in spring or autumn.

Plant spacing100 - 300 cm
Row spacing150 - 400 cm
Plants per m²0.1 - 1 per m²
Bed widthfrom 150 cm

Site & practical notes

Elder is very undemanding and grows almost anywhere. Ensure sufficient space as it grows large quickly. Raw berries are mildly toxic and should only be consumed cooked. Flowers and ripe berries are edible and versatile.

Temperature & frost

Sambucus: Temperature and site

Growing temperaturefrom 5 °C
Optimal temperature15 - 25 °C
Max. heatup to 35 °C
Soil temperature18 - 20 °C
Frost sensitiveNo
Late frost sensitiveNo
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancehigh

Water & nutrients

Sambucus: Water, nutrients and care

Watermedium
Critical water phasesGermination, Establishment, Fruiting
Watering methodDeep watering
Droughtlow
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient needmedium feeder
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow

Container & growth

Sambucus: Container, support and growth

Container suitableNo
SupportNo
Height150 - 600 cm
Width150 - 500 cm

Year plan

Sambucus Calendar

Plants

In early summer, the creamy white flowers attract bees and butterflies, while in autumn, the dark berries draw in birds.

Year overview
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Direct sowing outdoors
Planting outdoors
Harvest
Pruning

Recurring tasks

Basic pruning for shaping and rejuvenation, removal of old shoots.February - March
Before bud break, once the harshest frosts have passed.
Plant young plants or cuttingsMarch - April, September - October
Boden ist bearbeitbar: Choose a well-draining location.
Check for pests and diseasesMay - June
Wachstumsperiode: Watch for aphids or fungal infections.
Water as neededJune - August
Trockenheit: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Thinning and removal of excess growth, promoting air circulation.June - July
After flowering or after harvesting flowers, to avoid impacting berry formation.
Harvest berriesAugust - September
Reife: Berries are ripe when deeply colored and easily detach from the plant.
Autumn pruning to encourage next year's fruitingSeptember - October
Nach der Ernte: Remove old or weak shoots.

Relevant now

June

  • No additional single task

Next up

July

  • Harvest flowersBlütezeit: Best harvested on a dry morning.

Monthly tasks

Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.

HarvestGrowingPruning

January

Quiet month

February

Quiet month

March

Pruning for shaping and stimulating growth

Pruning

  • Pruning for shaping and stimulating growthRuhephase: Remove dead or damaged branches. Cut back inward-growing shoots.

April

Mulch for moisture retention and weed suppression

Growing

  • Mulch for moisture retention and weed suppressionBoden ist feucht: Use organic mulch materials like bark chips or compost.

May

Quiet month

June

Quiet month

July

Harvest flowers

Harvest

  • Harvest flowersBlütezeit: Best harvested on a dry morning.

August

No additional single task

September

No additional single task

October

No additional single task

November

Cut back spent flower stalks if necessary

Pruning

  • Cut back spent flower stalks if necessaryNach der Blüte: This can help improve appearance and encourage new bud formation.

December

Quiet month

Flowering & pollination

Sambucus Flowering & pollination

Self-fertility

self-fertile

Pollinator needed

no

Overview

Elder is predominantly self-fertile, but benefits from cross-pollination by insects, which can lead to better fruit set.

Notes

Bees, flies, and beetles are important pollinators. A garden that is friendly to insects promotes pollination.

Pruning & care

Sambucus Pruning & care

Pruning type

renewal pruning

Pruning timing

Late winter

Basic pruning for shaping and rejuvenation, removal of old shoots. Before bud break, once the harshest frosts have passed.

Summer

Thinning and removal of excess growth, promoting air circulation. After flowering or after harvesting flowers, to avoid impacting berry formation.

Remove

Dead, diseased, or damaged branchesInward-growing shootsCompeting shootsBranches hanging too low

Preserve

Strong, well-positioned main branchesYoung, fruit-bearing shoots

Avoid

Cutting back all shoots too severely at once, as this can reduce fruiting in the following year.Pruning during frost.

Tools and hygiene

Clean and disinfect pruning tools before and after use, especially after cutting diseased branches, to prevent disease spread.

Companion guide

Sambucus Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

Herbs (e.g., Thyme, Rosemary, Sage)BeansStrawberry

Avoid

potatotomato

Use & storage

Sambucus Use & storage

Harvest

Flowers in early summer, berries from late summer to autumn.

Storage

Cool, dry, dark for dried goods; process fresh or refrigerate.

Storage life

Dried flowers: up to 1 year. Processed products: depending on type (e.g., syrup several months, jam up to 2 years).

Harvest

Flowers in early summer, berries from late summer to autumn.

Processing

Flowers: Tea, syrup, liqueur, fritters.Berries: Juice, syrup, jelly, jam, wine, liqueur, pie filling.

After harvest

Process or dry flowers immediately. Handle berries carefully as they are delicate. Store chilled or process.

Edibility & safety

Sambucus Edibility & safety

For people

In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.

Edible parts:Flowers, Ripe berries (cooked)
Caution parts:Raw berries (mildly toxic), Leaves, Stems, Roots
Raw consumption:Not recommended for raw berries. Flowers can be used raw in drinks or desserts, but are more commonly cooked or dried.

Safety notes

Raw elderberries contain sambunigrin, which can cause gastrointestinal upset. They are safe after cooking. Leaves, stems, and roots are toxic.

Animal safety

For animals, the specific plant part matters here: some parts may be suitable, while others should be avoided. At least one critical rating is listed for 14 animal types.

Animal safety by plant part

Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.

Companion animals

Dog icon for animal safety ratingDog

flowers, ripe berries (cooked)

raw berries, leaves, stems

Risk factors

consumption of raw parts, access to unsupervised plants

Symptoms

vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset

observe

Ripe, cooked elderberries and flowers can be given in small amounts as a treat. Raw berries, leaves, stems, and roots contain sambunigrin and cause gastrointestinal upset. No indications of severe poisoning in dogs, but caution is advised.

Open animal page
Cat icon for animal safety ratingCat

Flowers, Ripe berries (cooked)

Raw berries, Leaves, Stems

Risk factors

Consuming raw or unripe plant parts, Access to wild-growing elder

Symptoms

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal upset

observe

Cooked ripe berries and flowers can be given in small amounts as treats. Raw berries, leaves, stems, and roots contain sambunigrin and may cause gastrointestinal upset. If raw parts are ingested, observe and contact vet if symptoms persist.

Open animal page
Rabbit icon for animal safety ratingRabbit

Flowers, Ripe berries (cooked)

Raw berries, Leaves, Stems

Risk factors

Consuming raw or unripe plant parts, Overconsumption of cooked berries

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea

observe

Cooked ripe elderberries and flowers can be given to rabbits occasionally as a treat. Raw berries, leaves, stems, and roots contain sambunigrin and are toxic. If toxic parts are ingested, observe for symptoms and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Open animal page
Guinea pig icon for animal safety ratingGuinea pig

Flowers, Ripe berries (cooked)

Raw berries, Leaves, Stems

Risk factors

Consuming raw or unripe plant parts, Overconsumption of cooked berries

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

No direct species-specific source was found for guinea pigs. This is a cautious inference from the rabbits profile and the known plant-part risks.

Open animal page
Hamster icon for animal safety ratingHamster

Flowers, Ripe berries (cooked)

Raw berries, Leaves, Stems

Risk factors

Consuming raw or unripe plant parts, Overconsumption of cooked berries

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

No direct species-specific source was found for hamsters. This is a cautious inference from the rabbits profile and the known plant-part risks.

Open animal page
Budgie icon for animal safety ratingBudgie

Flowers, Ripe berries (cooked)

Raw berries, Leaves, Stems

Risk factors

Raw berries contain toxic sambunigrin, Leaves, stems, and roots are toxic

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Budgies can tolerate cooked elderberries and flowers in small amounts as treats. Raw berries, leaves, stems, and roots are toxic due to sambunigrin and can cause gastrointestinal upset. Only specific parts are suitable, with cooked berries and flowers occasionally given as treats. Overconsumption poses a medium risk for digestive issues. If symptoms occur, contact a veterinarian. As no species-specific studies…

Open animal page

Farm animals

Horse icon for animal safety ratingHorse

Flowers, Ripe berries (cooked)

Raw berries, Leaves, Stems

Risk factors

Consuming raw or unripe plant parts, Ingesting leaves or stems while grazing

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Sambucus contains sambunigrin, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in horses. Cooked ripe berries and flowers can be given in small amounts as treats. Leaves, stems, roots, and raw berries should be avoided. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms occur.

Open animal page
Chicken icon for animal safety ratingChicken

Flowers, Ripe berries (cooked)

Raw berries, Leaves, Stems

Risk factors

Consuming raw or unripe plant parts, Overconsumption of cooked berries

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

Cooked elderberries and flowers can be given as an occasional treat in small amounts. Raw berries, leaves, stems, and roots contain sambunigrin and are toxic. Monitor for symptoms if raw parts are ingested and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Open animal page
Duck icon for animal safety ratingDuck

Flowers, Ripe berries (cooked)

Raw berries, Leaves, Stems

Risk factors

Consuming raw or unripe parts, Access to toxic plant parts such as leaves or stems

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

For ducks, the same precautions apply as for other birds: cooked ripe berries and flowers can occasionally be given as treats, while raw berries, leaves, stems, and roots are toxic due to sambunigrin and can cause gastrointestinal upset. No duck-specific studies found, but conservative assessment based on general avian physiology and known plant toxicity. Flowers and cooked berries are likely safe in small amounts…

Open animal page
Goose icon for animal safety ratingGoose

Flowers, Ripe berries (cooked)

Raw berries, Leaves, Stems

Risk factors

Raw consumption, Ingestion of leaves, stems, or roots

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Cooked ripe elderberries and flowers may be fed occasionally in small amounts as a treat. Raw berries, leaves, stems, and roots contain sambunigrin and are toxic. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms occur. No goose-specific studies available; classification based on general plant toxicity and similar avian species.

Open animal page
Sheep icon for animal safety ratingSheep

Flowers, Ripe berries (cooked)

Raw berries, Leaves, Stems

Risk factors

Raw consumption of berries, leaves, stems, or roots

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

Sambucus contains sambunigrin, which can cause gastrointestinal upset when consumed raw. Cooked ripe berries and flowers are tolerable in small amounts. Leaves, stems, and roots are toxic and should be avoided. Sheep may receive cooked berries as an occasional treat, but raw parts are not recommended.

Open animal page
Goat icon for animal safety ratingGoat

No suitable parts listed

Leaves, Stems, Raw berries

Risk factors

Access to leaves and stems, Consumption of raw berries, Lack of alternative forage

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea), Weakness, Respiratory distress

contact a vet if ingested

Elder (Sambucus) contains cyanogenic glycosides (sambunigrin) in its leaves, stems, and raw berries, which can be toxic to goats. While cooked berries and flowers are considered safe for human consumption, feeding to goats is not recommended due to the toxicity of other plant parts and the risk of ingesting harmful compounds.

Open animal page
Cattle icon for animal safety ratingCattle

No suitable parts listed

Leaves, Stems, Bark

Risk factors

Access to plant material, Consumption of large quantities, Consumption of wilted plants (can increase toxicity)

Symptoms

Rapid breathing, Tremors, Weakness

emergency vet immediately

Elder (Sambucus) contains cyanogenic glycosides, particularly in leaves, stems, bark, roots, and raw berries. These can cause cyanide poisoning in cattle, which can be life-threatening. While cooked, ripe berries and flowers are edible for humans, they do not represent a suitable or safe feed source for cattle.

Open animal page
Pig icon for animal safety ratingPig

Flowers, Ripe berries (cooked)

Raw berries, Leaves, Stems

Risk factors

Consumption of raw plant parts (leaves, stems, roots, raw berries), Foraging behavior of pigs

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Raw elderberries, leaves, stems, and roots contain sambunigrin, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in pigs. Cooked ripe berries and flowers are considered safe, but should only be offered in moderation as a treat. Due to the risk of ingesting toxic plant parts through foraging, the plant as a whole is not recommended for feeding.

Open animal page

These guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.

Max risk

4 / 5

Highest status

toxic

Urgency

emergency vet immediately

Saving seed

Sambucus Saving seed

Seed viability

1 - 2 years

Practical tips

Sambucus Practical tips

Common beginner mistakes

Planning insufficient space, leading to an overgrown shrub.Tasting raw berries without knowing they need to be cooked.

Success pattern

Consistent renewal pruning in late winter ensures healthy plants and good yields.Choosing a location with adequate sun and good drainage is crucial.

High-impact tips

An annual application of compost in spring is often sufficient for nutrient supply.Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Grower observations

Many gardeners underestimate how quickly elder grows. It's advisable to plan for ample space from the outset.Harvesting the flowers is best done on a dry morning, shortly after the dew has evaporated.

Health

Pests, Diseases

Pests

Aphids

Small, sap-sucking insects that colonize young shoots and leaves, weakening the plant. They can cause yellowed, deformed leaves and stunted growth.

Elder aphid

A specific aphid species that infests elder, causing shoot distortion and honeydew.

Spider mites

Small arachnids that appear in dry weather, leaving fine webbing on leaves. They suck plant sap and cause yellowish stippling.

Diseases

Elder rust

A fungal infection characterized by yellow-orange pustules on the underside of leaves and yellow spots on the upper surface. Can lead to premature leaf drop.

Powdery mildew

A fungal disease appearing as a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. Reduces photosynthesis and can lead to growth disorders.

Verticillium wilt

A soil-borne fungal disease that clogs the plant's vascular system. Leads to wilting shoots and leaf loss, often one-sided on the shrub.

Deficiencies

Iron deficiency

Causes chlorosis (yellowing) of young leaves, while the veins remain green. Often occurs on alkaline soils.

Magnesium deficiency

Leads to a characteristic interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between veins), usually starting on older leaves.

Plant health

AphidsSpider mitesPowdery mildewVerticillium wiltIron deficiencyMagnesium deficiency

Diagnosis help

Sambucus Diagnosis help

Pest groups

AphidsSpider mites

Disease groups

Fungal diseases (rust, mildew, wilt)Bacterial infections

Prevention

Choose a suitable location with good drainage and adequate sunlight.Ensure good air circulation around the plant.Keep the plant healthy through balanced nutrition and proper watering.Regularly remove dead or diseased plant parts.Inspect the plant regularly for early signs of pests or diseases.Avoid over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen.Disinfect pruning tools between uses.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis often requires examining the symptoms, location of infestation, and environmental conditions. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult an expert or send in samples.

Cultural prevention

Site selection: sunny to partially shaded, well-drained soil, protected from strong wind.Soil care: regular compost applications to improve soil structure and nutrient supply.Watering: keep evenly moist and avoid waterlogging.Pruning: regular pruning to promote health and shape.Hygiene: disinfect pruning tools and remove and dispose of infected plant parts.

Monitoring

Regular visual inspection of leaves, shoots, and flowers for signs of pests or diseases.Pay special attention to young shoots and leaf undersides.Check soil moisture.

First response

For aphids: water jet, beneficial insects, rapeseed oil, or soapy water.For spider mites: increase humidity, use a water jet, and introduce beneficial insects (predatory mites).For powdery mildew: baking soda or milk spray, plant-strengthening agents.For rust: remove infected leaves and ensure good ventilation.

Diagnostic rules

Yellow-orange pustules on leaf undersides, yellow spots on leaf topsides.

Possible causes: Elder rust

  • Check humidity and air circulation.
  • Remove infected leaves.

White, powdery coating on leaves and stems.

Possible causes: Powdery mildew

  • Improve air circulation.
  • Check for drought stress.

One-sided wilting of shoots, leaf loss.

Possible causes: Verticillium wilt

  • Check soil moisture and drainage.
  • Prune affected branches and disinfect tools.

Sticky shoots and leaves, visible small insects.

Possible causes: Aphids, Elder shoot aphid

  • Identify the type of aphid.
  • Rinse with water or use a mild soap solution.

FAQ

Are elderberries poisonous?

Raw elderberries contain sambunigrin and can cause gastrointestinal upset. They are safe and edible after cooking. Leaves, stems, and roots are toxic.

When is the best time to plant elder?

The best time to plant elder is in spring (March-April) or autumn (September-October), when the soil is moist but not frozen.

How do I prune elder correctly?

Elder benefits from annual renewal pruning in late winter (February-March), where about one-third of the oldest shoots are removed near the ground. This promotes new growth and fruiting.

Can elder grow in a container?

Due to its size and rapid growth, elder is not well-suited for container growing. It requires ample space for its roots and spreading canopy.

Is Sambucus safe for Dog?

Sambucus is classified as do not feed for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Ripe, cooked elderberries and flowers can be given in small amounts as a treat. Raw berries, leaves, stems, and roots contain sambunigrin and cause gastrointestinal upset. No indications of severe poisoning in dogs, but caution is advised.

Is Sambucus safe for Cat?

Sambucus is classified as do not feed for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Cooked ripe berries and flowers can be given in small amounts as treats. Raw berries, leaves, stems, and roots contain sambunigrin and may cause gastrointestinal upset. If raw parts are ingested, observe and contact vet if symptoms persist.

Is Sambucus safe for Rabbit?

Sambucus is classified as do not feed for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Cooked ripe elderberries and flowers can be given to rabbits occasionally as a treat. Raw berries, leaves, stems, and roots contain sambunigrin and are toxic. If toxic parts are ingested, observe for symptoms and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Is Sambucus safe for Goat?

Sambucus is classified as toxic for Goat. Risk: 4 / 5. Urgency: contact a vet if ingested. Elder (Sambucus) contains cyanogenic glycosides (sambunigrin) in its leaves, stems, and raw berries, which can be toxic to goats. While cooked berries and flowers are considered safe for human consumption, feeding to goats is not recommended due to the toxicity of other plant parts and the risk of ingesting harmful compounds.

Guides

Related guides

Garden guides

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-13

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-13

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Holunder

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-13

  4. English Wikipedia: Sambucus

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-13

JSON data

Wild-Wuchs

Search