Guelder Rose, also known as European Cranberrybush or Water Elder
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Dipsacales, Family: Adoxaceae, Genus: Viburnum, Species: V. opulus · Adoxaceae (Moschatel family, formerly included in Caprifoliaceae) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Viburnum opulus
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Adoxaceae (Moschatel family, formerly included in Caprifoliaceae)
Shape
Palmately 3 to 5 lobed, roughly resembling a maple leaf with blunt or rounded sinuses and coarsely toothed margins
Size
Approximately 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long and wide, typical for the species
Margin
Coarsely serrate or dentate along the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite on the stem
Rarity
Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, paler underneath; turns vibrant shades of red and purple in autumn
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation with prominent veins radiating from the base of the leaf blade
Texture & Surface
Matt finish, somewhat wrinkled or rugose texture with prominent veins on the lower surface
Description
Viburnum opulus is a large deciduous shrub growing up to 4-5 meters tall. It features showy lacecap white flowers in late spring, followed by drooping clusters of translucent, bright red, edible-looking berries in autumn that persist through winter. The foliage turns brilliant red before dropping in late autumn.
Key Features
Opposite, palmately lobed leaves with raised glands on the petiole near the base of the leaf blade, flat-topped flower/fruit clusters, and translucent red berries
Habitat
Found in damp woods, thickets, hedgerows, and stream banks, preferring moist, fertile, well-draining soils in full sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native across Europe, northern Africa, and central Asia, widely cultivated and naturalized in parts of North America
Condition Notes
Pressed and dried herbarium specimens showing good structural integrity and retention of shape, Good condition overall
Interesting Facts
Despite the common name European Cranberrybush, the plant is not a true cranberry; the berries are tart and have been used to make jellies and jams, though they can be mildly emetic if eaten raw in large quantities
Medicinal & Uses
Bark has been used traditionally as a muscle relaxant, particularly for menstrual cramps and asthma (hence the old common name Cramp Bark); widely used as an ornamental shrub in landscaping
Ecological Role
Provides critical food and habitat for birds, small mammals, and pollinators; the bright red winter berries are a vital food source for overwintering birds
Similar Species
Maple species (Acer), which have similar lobed leaves but alternate arrangement; and other Viburnum species like Viburnum acerifolium (Mapleleaf viburnum)
Foraging Tips
Look for opposite, maple-like leaves on multi-stemmed shrubs near damp woodlands or hedgerows; check for glands on the leaf stalks
Toxicity Warning
Mildly Toxic. Raw berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset if consumed in large quantities; cooking generally reduces toxicity