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Viburnum opulus
  • Guelder Rose

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Viburnum genus in the family Caprifoliaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • Hedge
    Hedge
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementshigh
    High
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline,very alkaline
    Unknown
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Heavy clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 3
    Zone 3
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Viburnum opulus has 0 edible uses listed
Viburnum opulus has 0 material uses listed
Viburnum opulus has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

Large quantities of the fruit can cause vomiting and diarrhoea[1][2]. The fruit is of very low or zero toxicity, it only causes mild upsets when eaten unripe or in large quantities[2][3].

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked[4][5][6][7]. The fruit is up to 8.5mm in diameter but with a large seed[8]. A sour taste, it is best cooked. The crushed fruit has an unpleasant smell[9]. Used as a cranberry substitute in making, jellies, preserves etc[10]. Some caution is advised, see notes on toxicity at top of the page.

Fruit

Unknown use

Material uses

A red dye is obtained from the fruit[11].

An ink can be made from the dried berries[9]. Plants can be grown as a tall hedge[12], they are rather bare in winter though[K].

The wood can be used to make skewers[9].

Unknown part

Dye
Ink
Wood

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Guelder rose is a powerful antispasmodic and is much used in the treatment of asthma, cramps and other conditions such as colic or painful menstruation[13]. It is also used as a sedative remedy for nervous conditions[13].

The bark is antispasmodic, astringent and sedative[9][14][7][15][16]. The bark contains 'scopoletin', a coumarin that has a sedative affect on the uterus[17]. A tea is used internally to relieve all types of spasms, including menstrual cramps, spasms after childbirth and threatened miscarriage[14][18][17]. It is also used in the treatment of nervous complaints and debility[9][7][15][16]. The bark is harvested in the autumn before the leaves change colour, or in the spring before the leaf buds open. It is dried for later use[17]. The leaves and fruits are antiscorbutic, emetic and laxative[9][18].

A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh bark[14]. It is used in the treatment of menstrual pain and spasms after childbirth[14].

Unknown part

Antispasmodic
Astringent
Birthing aid
Homeopathy
Sedative

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking more than 18 months. If the seed is harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it has fully ripened) and sown immediately in a cold frame, it should germinate in the spring[19]. Stored seed will require 2 months warm then 3 months cold stratification and can still take 18 months to germinate[20]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame or greenhouse. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer of the following year.

Cuttings of soft-wood, early summer in a frame[8]. Pot up into individual pots once they start to root and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8 cm long with a heel if possible, July/August in a frame[21][20]. Plant them into individual pots as soon as they start to root. These cuttings can be difficult to overwinter, it is best to keep them in a greenhouse or cold frame until the following spring before planting them out[20]. Cuttings of mature wood, winter in a frame. They should root in early spring - pot them up when large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if sufficient new growth is made, otherwise keep them in a cold frame for the next winter and then plant them out in the spring.

Layering of current seasons growth in July/August. Takes 15 months[21].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Viburnum opulus. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils but is ill-adapted for poor soils and for dry situations[22]. It prefers a deep rich moist loamy soil in a sunny position[23]. Succeeds in semi-shade but does not grow or fruit so well in such a position[24]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and on chalk[25]. Does not do well on very acid soils. Best if given shade from the early morning sun in spring[8].

A very ornamental plant[22], it is hardy to about -30°c[25] and is often grown in the flower garden. There are many named varieties[25]. Guelder rose regenerates quickly if it is cut to the ground, it can also produce suckers and will often form thickets[24].

The plant is an alternative host for the broad bean aphid[23].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Viburnum opulus. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Viburnum opulus.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Viburnum opulus
Genus
Viburnum
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[4][5][6][7][8][9][10]
Medicinal uses
[13][9][14][7][15][16][17][18]
Material uses & Functions
[11][9][12]
Botanic
[23][26][8]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Hedge
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
high
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    deciduous
    Herbaceous or Woody
    woody
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    moderate
    Mature Size
    5 x 5 meters
    Fertility
    self fertile
    Pollinators
    Insects, Self
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

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    "image:Illustration Viburnum opulus0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Illustration Viburnum opulus0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Illustration Viburnum opulus0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Illustration Viburnum opulus0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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    References

    1. ? Altmann. H. Poisonous Plants and Animals. Chatto and Windus ISBN 0-7011-2526-8 (1980-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
    3. ? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-5531-7 (1972-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins ISBN 0-00-219060-5 (1974-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.4 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.59.69.79.8 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.1 Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. ISBN 0900629649 (1974-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.2 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.114.214.314.4 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.115.2 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
    16. ? 16.016.116.2 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.117.217.3 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    18. ? 18.018.118.2 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
    19. ? McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books ISBN 0-901361-21-6 (1985-00-00)
    20. ? 20.020.120.2 Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
    21. ? 21.021.1 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
    22. ? 22.022.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    23. ? 23.023.123.2 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    24. ? 24.024.1 Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold (1979-00-00)
    25. ? 25.025.125.2 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30258-2 (1989-00-00)
    26. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)

    "image:Illustration Viburnum opulus0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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    Facts about "Viburnum opulus"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyCaprifoliaceae +
    Belongs to genusViburnum +
    Functions asHedge +
    Has common nameGuelder Rose +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partFruit +
    Has edible useUnknown use +
    Has fertility typeSelf fertile +, Insects + and Self +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has growth rateModerate +
    Has hardiness zone3 +
    Has imageIllustration Viburnum opulus0.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useDye +, Ink + and Wood +
    Has mature height5 +
    Has mature width5 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntispasmodic +, Astringent +, Birthing aid +, Homeopathy + and Sedative +
    Has primary imageIllustration Viburnum opulus0.jpg +
    Has search nameviburnum opulus + and x +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral +, Alkaline + and Very alkaline +
    Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
    Has soil teheavy clayture preferenceHeavy clay +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy nameViburnum opulus +
    Has water requirementshigh +
    Is deciduous or evergreenDeciduous +
    Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +