Protected. Sambucus ebulus, Dwarf Elder or Danewort, Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Danewort or Dwarf Elder in The Netherlands is a highly endangered species. It's good to see it protected here in the Hortus. In Dutch it's called 'Kruidvlier', that is to say: Herbal Elder. In folk medicine it was long used as a remedy for liver and kidney complaints but it's highly poisonous. Various parts of the plant have been used to make red and black ink for writing.
It is said that one of its English names - Danewort - alludes to the idea that the plant is found especially on the battlefields of the Danes. Next time I visit one, I'll make a point of searching for it!
Protected. Sambucus ebulus, Dwarf Elder or Danewort, Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Danewort or Dwarf Elder in The Netherlands is a highly endangered species. It's good to see it protected here in the Hortus. In Dutch it's called 'Kruidvlier', that is to say: Herbal Elder. In folk medicine it was long used as a remedy for liver and kidney complaints but it's highly poisonous. Various parts of the plant have been used to make red and black ink for writing.
It is said that one of its English names - Danewort - alludes to the idea that the plant is found especially on the battlefields of the Danes. Next time I visit one, I'll make a point of searching for it!