Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, Florida Wildflower and Native Plant Poetry and Art

Florida Wildflower Poetry and Art, Elderberry

...
elderberry jam
jar lips' purple goo
absurd not to lick
...

Elderberry has been revered as an important plant for centuries.  Hippocrates as well as many others throughout history spoke of elder's ability to feed and heal.  The purple berries and flowers have been found to be effective in combating influenza and in also making delicious jams and pies.  Elder grows well in a variety of soils and provides communal and foraging to pollinators and small mammals alike.

Florida Nature Art, Mandala Elderberry, Sambucus nigra and Purple Hairstreak Butterfly, Altides halesus

Elderberry is a magnificent native wildflower and fruit bearing plant, cherished by humans and wildlife alike.

Elderberry and Purple Hairstreak Mandala by Kevin Shea

Flower and Berry Detail

Great purple hairstreak butterfly can often be seen foraging across elderberry flowers in parts of Florida and across the nation.

I like to think elderberry makes a great urban landscape planting.  She is drought tolerant, grows quickly, provides good screen coverage with her foliage and attracts birds and pollinators.

Elderberry fruit makes delicious jam, jelly and of course is renown for our ancestor's elderberry wine.

The purples and greens in this mandala take me to those hot summer Florida afternoons where the mockingbirds are calling and sweet, cold ice tea is in my cup.

I love this Florida nature mandala.

15" diameter gíclee on aluminum plate with hangers, numbered and signed limited edition print.  For inquiries contact the artist kssonger@gmail.com