Dwarf Elder (Sambucus ebulus) - Dwarf Elder Trees

The Dwarf Elder is a small (rarely above 3ft in height) hairless perennial which can be identified by its simple straight stems which are less woody than those of the Elder and an unpleasant smell. The leaves are more numerous than on the common Elder and are toothed and the flowers which appear between June and August can be white or pink, forming in domed clusters smelling of bitter almonds. The fruit ripens to a shiny black colour. The Dwarf Elder favours damp woodland margins and clearings. Medicinal uses include as a diuretic and to reduce fluid retention. The name Dwarf Elder refers to a completely different plant in the USA

Old names for Dwarf Elder include Danewort and Walewort (wal-slaughter) are traceable to an old belief that it sprang from the blood of slain Danes - it grows near Slaughterford in Wilts, that being the site of a great Danish battle. Others suggest that it was brought to England by the Danes and planted on the battlefields and graves of their slain countrymen. In Norfolk it is still known by the name of Danewort and Blood Hilder (Blood Elder).

Tristan Dugdale-Pointon
BA (Hons) MSc (Econs) PGCE (FEHE) AMInstLM

Founder of Storm Crow Survival, Mr Dugdale-Pointon holds several degrees including a Masters degree in Strategic studies from the University of Wales Aberystwyth during which he specialised in Intelligence and Security, including counterinsurgency and counter terrorism. He is a qualified low level expedition leader and First Aid instructor as well as being a member of the institute of leadership and management. He has taught survival skills, expedition skills and counter terrorism for over 5 years. He has taken part in expeditions in Northern Finland (Arctic circle) and West Africa

Dr John Rickard MA. PhD

Information technology and historical consultant, Dr Rickard is a published author on medieval history and currently teaches web design and information technology. Dr Rickard designed the Storm Crow web site and also is the creator of historyofwar.org one of the most highly regarded military history web sites on the internet today.