Blooming Blue Elderberry in Summit County, UtahBlooming Blue Elderberry in Summit County, Utah – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/5000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Blue Elderberry shrubs are blooming right now high in the Wasatch Mountains. Two days ago I took a few photos of the elderberry blossoms. The creamy flowers caught my eyes and it seems that they also got the attention of some of our native bees.

This is the second flush of blooms on this particular Blue Elderberry this year. The first blooms I saw on it withered away before they set fruit. I believe our continuing drought caused that.

Right now this Blue Elderberry shrub looks very healthy. I don’t know that it will remain that way though. I’m hoping the high country will get some rain this week because I can see some in the 10 day forecast but I am not holding my breath. Signs of our drought are highly visible to me even in the higher elevations of the Wasatch Mountains.

Blue Elderberry blossoms, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahBlue Elderberry blossoms – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I’ve been paying close attention to the wild fruiting shrubs and trees this season. Our drought has had a real impact on them. Birds are going to have a hard time fueling up for their migrations. I have zero doubts about that. And yes, that worries me.

It is my hope that people won’t harvest the elderberries, serviceberries, or chokecherries this summer because the birds and animals need them this year far more than people do because of the exceptional drought conditions we are experiencing here in northern Utah. People can buy food. Birds can’t.

Life is precious.

Mia

Click here to see more of my wildflower, tree, and shrub photos.

Blue Elderberry goes by other names which include elder, blue elder, Arizona elderberry, American elder, sweet elder, wild elder, flor sauco, tree of music, Danewort, Walewort, New Mexican elderberry, velvet-leaf elder, hairy blue elderberry, and dwarf elder.