Elder
Sambucus nigra
Also called Elderberry, Elderflower and Common elder
Garden plant · Herbs, veg & fruitCOOK THE BERRIES. Raw elderberries and every green part of the plant make people and dogs sick; cooked, the fruit and flowers are the two things it is grown for.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 8 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a very cold winter RHS H6, to -20°C
- Size
- 5 m tall · 3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Shrub
- Origin
- Europe, North Africa and south-west Asia
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats.
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The raw berries and every green part. Safe to eat: the flowers, and the berries once COOKED.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-04.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.