Plant: A large shrub or small tree up to 20 feet tall,
sometimes
even taller. |
|
Flowers: The small, 1/4 inch diameter, white flowers are in
flat-topped
compound clusters. |
|
Fruit: The fruit is a blue, almost black berry that ripens in
late
summer. |
|
Leaf: The leaves are compound with oval, finely-toothed
leaflets. |
|
Flowering period: |
April to August |
Use by Indians: |
They ate the fruit and made a soothing tea
from the dried blossoms for fevers or spread
it externally on sprains and itches. After
pushing out the pith in the wood, they turned
it into flutes or clappers. They also used the
wood to make bows, arrows and fire drills.
A black dye for basketry was made from
twigs and fruit.
|
Can be found here: |
Big Canyon, Back Bay Drive, Interpretive Center |
Native Plant: Yes |
Halophyte: No |
Family Name: Elderberry |
Click on Picture for enlarged version
|
|
Date: 7/18/2007
|