Guelder rose
(Viburnum opulus)
A PA INVASIVE SPECIES
Heritage
 Was originally cultivated in Gelderland.
 A Dutch Province
 Later was introduced to England and Scotland
 Native to the European deciduous forest, north Asia,
and north Africa.
Common names (viburnum opulus)
 Cranberrybush viburnum
 American cranberry
 European cranberry viburnum
 Cramp bark
 European snowball bush
 Red Elder
 Rose Elder
Habitat
 Hedgerows
 Marshes
 Edges of wooded areas
 Both in acidic and heavy clay soil
Adaptations
 Frostproof
 Hygrophilous – grow in moist areas
 Prefers acidic soils
 Shade-tolerant
 No harm from dust and air pollution
Areas of inhabitance
 Relatively cool climate
 Reported invasive in:
 Indiana
 Pennsylvania
 Wisconsin
 3-8
Description
 Deciduous shrub that is part of the honey-suckle
family.
 Can grow from 5-10 feet tall.
 Some are self pollinating
 Others do not reproduce

Do not produce berries.
Description - flowers
 Have a “flat” head that is 3-5” diameter.
 Five outer petals
 Sterile
 Attract insects to inner flowers
 Little inner flowers
 Fertile
 Provide nectar
Description - Berries
 Berries
 ½ inch diameter
 Ripen in August
 Attract birds to spread the seeds
 Can cause stomach irritation
Description - Leaves
 Maple-like
 3-5 inches long
 Palmate lobed – leaf divided into 3 more lobes.
 Coarsely serrated
 Opposite
 Red or purple
 Young leaves are covered in down
 Adult leaves are smooth and shiny
Invasive qualities
 Spreads to find sunlight
 Will choke out neighboring plants
 No found enemies
treatment
 Pruning
 Shear
 Chemicals
 Herbicides

glyphosate
Fruit
 Eaten raw or cooked
 Sour
 Crushed berries have an unpleasant smell
 Used instead of cranberries
 Jellies
 Preservatives
 Medicines
 Eaten in large quantities (or not ripe) can cause
vomiting and diarrhea


Low levels of poison
Can only cause upsets
Niche
 Food for birds and bugs
 ink and dyes
 Can be used for medicine, treating:
 Asthma
 Spasms
Menstrual cramps
 Treated miscarriage


Laxative
 ink and dyes
Sources
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photo-flowers.co.uk/flower%20cut%20out.html
http://www.electricscotland.com/gardening/plantlife/chapter12-2.htm
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/guelder_rose.htm
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Viburnum+opulus
www.heritagehedging.co.uk/hedge_planting.htm
www.jwaller.co.uk/batgroup/gardening.asp
http://chestofbooks.com/flora-plants/flowers/How-To-Identify-WildFlowers/III-The-Structure-And-Habits-Of-Flowers-Continued.html
thegreenfingeredphotographer.blogspot.com/
http://www.pat-albeck.co.uk/today/images/2-051.jpg
www.agroatlas.spb.ru/.../Viburnum_opulus_K/
iso-truth.blogspot.com/2009/11/pruning.html
gardening.about.com/.../ss/GardenMaint_5.htm
www.sustain-ed.org/pages/Process/monsanto.htm