Utah sightings

9.30.12  On a recent morning I spotted this 16-inch Night Snake, the unfortunate victim of road kill as it crossed from an alfalfa field to weedy waste ground.  Aptly named, this poisonous snake is rarely seen and little studied because of its nocturnal habits; it spends days under rocks or plant litter.  The enlarged grooved teeth that deliver venom to its frog or lizard prey are located near the back of its upper jaw.  It is not a threat to humans.
         Elder (Sambucus cerulea) are hanging with large clusters of light blue berries and are a-flitter with small birds that are taking advantage of the tasty fruit.  These 10 - 15 foot shrubs that grow near aspen trees have long been valued for various medicinal properties as well as for making juice, jam, and wine.  Note that it is advisable to remove the seeds before processing the berries for consumption as the seeds can contain mildly toxic substances.(Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West).

         Native to Utah,  Bigtooth Maples  grow in a variety of challenging terrain and provide welcome contrast to rock, aspen yellows, and the dark green evergreens with their orange-to red foliage.