English
elderberry
Scientific Name
Sambucus spp
Arapaho
Translation of the Arapaho
‘whistle’
Elderberries and the Arapaho
Toys and games. Toll reports that children played with this plant. Although Blue Elderberry does not grow in the RMNP area, this particular plant is documented as having been used in this way by the Cheyenne (for whom it was called “flute plant”), and the local Red Elderberry (Sambucus microbotrys) seems less suited for this purpose, though it could perhaps also be used. The “playing” Toll refers to is most likely “playing” a musical instrument.
Red Elderberry in RMNP