Some Common Plants of Upper Newport Bay

Mexican Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana)
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