Guelder Rose - Viburnum opulus
Irish name - Caorchon
family - Caprifoliaceae
Characteristics
- Guelder rose is a shrub that grows up to a height of 4m (12ft).
- It has pale brown twigs, which become grey as they age.
- The main stems often terminate in flower buds giving the shrub a bushy form.
- It flowers in flat umbrella-like clusters, in two forms. In the centre are small perfect yellow-white flowers; the outer flowers are large and pure white without stamens or pistil.
- The fruits are a translucent red, with each containing one seed.
Season
- The leaves unfold in April.
- Flowers open in June and July.
- Fruits ripen in September and October.
- The leaves, which often turn red in autumn, fall in October or early November.
Preferred Environment
- Guelder rose thrives best in moist soils and will grow in light woodland scrub, hedges, and marshes.
- It occurs in moderately acid and alkaline soils but more commonly on the latter. It does not do well on very acid soils or in very dry situations.
- This plant is light-demanding, not flowering or fruiting well in shade, although it will survive.
Wildlife Associations
- There are 17 identified insects species associated with the guelder rose.
- Its drooping berries often stay hanging after the leaves have fallen, and are relished by birds.
- The showy outer flowers, which are sterile, act as a flag to attract insects to the smaller, fertile flowers further in.
Uses
- The leaves, bark or berries are all poisonus to man, though the berries are eatable when cooked.
- Guelder Rose wood has been used for making sewers and its berk has been used as herbal medicine for cramps and asthma.
Please remember...
Permission from the landowner - and, if the site holds any kind of designation, from Northern Ireland Environment Agency too - must be sought before collecting plant material (including seeds).