Sambucus ebulus - Danewort Maple nearly extinct in the wild

nearly extinct in the wild and unsurprisingly it is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN

Like most elders this deciduous shrub is quite robust growing to 3m

This is a understory plant so it prefers a moist semi shaded position

It is the primary source of cork for wine bottle stoppers and other uses

Sambucus ebulus - Danewort Maple nearly extinct in the wildOne of the more unusual species of elderberry genus is Sambucus ebulus. Know by a variety of different common names such as Danewort, Dane weed or plain Dwarf Elder, but my favourite is the Blood Hilder. A native throughout Europe to the Himalayas is only grows to about 1m and spreads by underground rhizomes. It dies back with the winter frosts only to reemerge in spring. Rarely offered in Australia.