Wild Lilac: The 124th Flower of Spring & Summer! (2 more pix belos)

(Please scroll down for two more pictures! :D)

Searching our property for new species to include in my counting project has been so much fun and full of surprises too! I had no idea there were wild Lilacs growing on our property!! These light blue flowering bushes were found at the top of our ridgeline and attracted countless insects. It was a shame that the day was so windy as it would have been fun to get some macro shots of the various critters that were busily visiting the blossoms. However, I was happy just to get a few pictures to share!

Wild Lilac (also known as Deerbrush) can be found in the Pacific Northwest up to Washington and south to California. It has been used for many things and today the roots are is still used as an astringent and a tonic. The roots can be used to make a dye, and the leaves can be smoked like tobacco. The branches were used by Native Americans to treat women after childbirth, and branches were also used in complex basket weaving. In fact, I found a lovely basket to see!
Furthermore, leaves can also be made into an energizing tea! (A woven basket can be seen there as well)

If you would like to know more about Wild Lilac, Wiki has a page here: Wiki: Wild Lilac aka Deerbrush (Ceanothus integerrimus)