Dwarf elder
A herbaceous elder forming dense stands along roadsides and in clearings; its white summer flower umbels give bees mainly pollen and little nectar.
- Nectar
- Low
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 1-2 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Dwarf elder is a herbaceous elder that regrows from the ground every year and spreads by its roots to form dense, extensive stands. It is common along roads and field margins, in forest clearings and on moist, nutrient-rich soils; it is abundant in the Black Sea and Marmara regions. Its white or slightly pink flowers with purple anthers smell of almonds and offer bees mainly pollen.
Flowering
It flowers for a long time from June to August; because it grows in stands, it can form a local pollen source in midsummer.
Honey and pollen
Its nectar amount is low, so its honey contribution is small; its value lies in being a summer pollen source. No toxicity in honey or pollen has been reported.
Note for the beekeeper
Its black berries and other parts of the plant are poisonous to people and animals; they must not be confused with the fruit of elder (Sambucus nigra). Its dense ground cover should be mown around the apiary so that it does not block the hive entrances.