All parts of this plant are toxic except for the berries. If you search carefully among the branches, you may find the exit holes of the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle, a federally protected species. The beetle is red and black with very long antennae. It s is an excellent host to many bugs, insects and lizards which can be observed along and under its trunk. This site is a good laboratory to see producers, consumers and decomposers in action.
Young cottonwoods grow nearby.
Where once a fallen oak slumbered, a wall of berry vines now dominate. The oak, completely hidden, slowly decomposes and returns to the soil to nourish the vines and surrounding plants and insects. Watch out for stinging nettle on the trail. If you are unfortunate and brush against the nettle, look for some California mugwort to rub on it. This will ease the irritation for several minutes so keep some in your pocket.