Eastern Forest Threat Center - Guelder Rose

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Guelder rose foliage and fruits

Guelder rose foliage and fruits

The Dow Gardens Archive, Bugwood.org

Guelder Rose
Viburnum opulus

Guelder rose is native to the woodlands of the European deciduous forest, north Asia, and north Africa.

Keywords: Caprifoliaceae, deciduous, shrub; Common names: cranberrybush viburnum, European cranberry, cramp bark, snowball tree, red elder, rose elder

Distribution Map Distribution Source Image

Threat Description

Guelder rose is a deciduous shrub in the honeysuckle family growing to a height of 7 to 12 ft. The maple-like leaves are 3½ in. long and palmate lobed with coarsely serrated edges. Leaves turn bright red or rich purple before falling. Flowers appear in 3 to 5 in. clusters. The sterile outer flowers are snowy white and wheel shaped with five petals; the fertile inner flowers are very small. Flowers develop bright red berries ½ in. in diameter that ripen in August, attracting birds that spread the seeds. Guelder rose is found at the edges of woods, hedgerows, and marshes. It grows in both heavy clay and acidic soils. It is an invasive shrub that is able to spread out to gain more access to sunlight.