The blue elderberries of northern Arizona are ripening! There are various names for this plant, including elder, Arizona elderberry, American elder, sweet elder, blueberry elder and more. It also has various taxonomic names and changes have recently occurred. Southwest Biodiversity (swbiodiversity.org) lists it as Sambucus cerulea. All parts of the Elderberry plant are valuable as healing plants in many folk remedies. Flowers are even used medicinally and can be prepared as a tea.
Only blue or purple elderberries are edible. Red elderberry fruits of other species are toxic.
Why is Arizona so... 
Enjoy this site. Would love tove to have find out about elderberries in Northern Arizona. Found a small bush today with some fruit on but still had some green so didn’t pick for some jam (not enough for a pie).
That’s about the amounts I have been finding on Mt. Elden. But it’s exciting to have them here at all!
Thanks Maril. Haven’t been on Mt. Elden. Did find more today that were ripe so picked them.. Talked to the hubbie about maybe planting some and see what happens. The net says that Arizona songbirds enjoy them too. Keep up the wonderful work at pictures and enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
Thanks. Let me know if your seeds come up! A great idea.
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