Dwarf Elder Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 911 found this helpful

All plant parts, including cooked seeds, are toxic to humans and animals

Ingestion of large amounts can cause severe respiratory, neurological and cardiac symptoms

Ruminants are significantly more sensitive to toxicity than monogastric animals

FAQ

Is Dwarf Elder toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, diarrhea; large ingestion may cause dyspnea, tachycardia, tremor, ataxia, hind limb paralysis, cramps (Moderate)

Is Dwarf Elder toxic to Cats?

Species-specific symptom data not documented; expected to present with gastrointestinal distress, neurological and respiratory symptoms if ingested (Low)

Is Dwarf Elder toxic to Dogs?

Species-specific symptom data not documented; expected to present with gastrointestinal distress, neurological and respiratory symptoms if ingested (Low)

Is Dwarf Elder toxic to Horses?

Species-specific symptom data not documented; expected to present with gastrointestinal distress, neurological and respiratory symptoms if ingested (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea; large ingestion may cause dyspnea, tachycardia, tremor, ataxia, hind limb paralysis, cramps

Cats

Low

Species-specific symptom data not documented; expected to present with gastrointestinal distress, neurological and respiratory symptoms if ingested

Dogs

Low

Species-specific symptom data not documented; expected to present with gastrointestinal distress, neurological and respiratory symptoms if ingested

Horses

Low

Species-specific symptom data not documented; expected to present with gastrointestinal distress, neurological and respiratory symptoms if ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, including cooked seeds

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; skin contact may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsSambunigrin (cyanogenic glycoside, 0.1% in toxic plant parts); Chlorogenic acid (present in fruits); Saponins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingested, induce vomiting only if the subject is conscious and not convulsing
• Administer activated charcoal to absorb remaining toxins if available
• Do not give food or drink unless explicitly instructed by a medical or veterinary professional

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of Dwarf Elder plant material
• Onset of symptoms including vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors or paralysis
• Ingestion of large quantities of plant matter even if no symptoms are present initially

Prevention

• Keep Dwarf Elder plants out of reach of children, pets and livestock
• Never consume any part of the plant, including cooked seeds
• Confirm plant identification before harvesting wild berries or elder-related species for consumption

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer decontamination and symptomatic therapy per standard emergency care protocols
• For signs of anoxia: Give 1% sodium nitrite solution 20-25 mg/kg body weight IV, followed by 25% sodium thiosulfate solution 0.5-1.25 g/kg body weight IV
• Repeat half the dose of the above medications if symptoms persist, as directed by a licensed clinician

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSambucus ebulus L.

AliasesDanewort、Dane weed、Danesblood、European dwarf elder、Walewort、Elderwort、Blood hilder

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractRespiratory systemNervous systemCardiovascular system

Mechanism of Action

• Cyanogenic glycoside sambunigrin releases cyanide when metabolized, causing cellular anoxia

• Saponins irritate the gastrointestinal tract lining

• Cyanogenic glycoside hydrolyzing enzymes are active in neutral rumen pH, making ruminants more sensitive to poisoning

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats): Higher sensitivity to toxicity than monogastric animals, as rumen pH enables faster activation of cyanogenic glycosides

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other elder species Sambucus spp.

Similar leaf and berry cluster appearance; Dwarf Elder is a low-growing herbaceous shrub, while most edible elder species are taller woody shrubs

Rowan / Mountain Ash Sorbus aucuparia

Similar berry cluster shape; Rowan berries are bright orange-red while ripe Dwarf Elder berries are glossy black, and Rowan is only weakly toxic

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Related Toxic Plants

European Black Elder

Sambucus nigra

Moderate toxicity (leaves, bark, unripe berries are toxic)

American Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Low to moderate toxicity (uncooked berries, leaves and bark are toxic)

Guelder Rose

Viburnum opulus

Low to moderate toxicity (berries cause poisoning if consumed in large quantities)

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.