Thanks to Donna Winter (Class of 2016) for the magnificent photos above of a green anole (Anolis carolinensis) foraging in the flowers of American elder (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis), more commonly called elderberry. She took these photos at the Toni Robinson Waterfront Preserve.
Insects are attracted to the copious tiny white flowers. Flies, crickets, small beetle, moths, butterflies, worms, and ants are among the insects consumed by green anoles. Take note of the ant in the photo above, which may explain the presence of the green anole.
You will find this plant at Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) in the mesic hammock near as the trail begins to turn to the north. Its grows as much-branched shrub or small tree (to 15′) …
Its leaves are pinnately compound with an odd number of leaflets …
Elderberry flowers throughout the year with terminal clusters (that vary from 2 to 10″ across) of tiny white, 5-petaled flowers.
Berries ripen from green to blue-black …
The fleshy, juicy berries contain 3-5 seeds and are toxic raw. Cooked berries are edible and and are made into wines, jellies, pies, juices, and such.
Enjoy the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area 