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 inches.  After pushing
out the pith in the wood, they turned it into
flutes or clappers.  They also used the wood
to make bows.
Can be found here: Big Canyon, Back Bay Drive, Interpretive Center
Native Plant: Yes Halophyte: No
Family Name: Honeysuckle
Click on Picture for enlarged version
 
Date: 11/16/2003