Gueridon service

Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus) is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and central Asia. The Guelder Rose is a deciduous shrub, not a rose, with a name that originated from the Dutch province of Gelderland, where a popular cultivar was supposedly developed.

Description

The Guelder Rose grows to 4–5 m (13–16 ft) tall. The leaves are opposite, three-lobed, 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long and broad, with a rounded base and coarsely serrated margins; they are superficially similar to the leaves of some maples, most easily distinguished by their somewhat wrinkled surface with impressed leaf venation. The leaf buds are green, with valvate bud scales.

Flowers and fruit

The flowers are produced in corymbs 4–11 cm (2–4 in) in diameter at the top of the stems; each corymb comprises a ring of outer sterile flowers 1.5–2 cm in diameter with conspicuous petals, surrounding a center of small (5 mm), fertile flowers; the flowers are produced in early summer, and pollinated by insects. The fruit is a bright red berry 7–10 mm diameter, containing a single seed. The seeds are dispersed by birds.

Cultivation and uses

The Guelder Rose is grown as an ornamental plant for its flowers and berries, creating a bright color in gardens and the strong, upright structure of the shrub. It is also valued for its ability to attract wildlife, as the berries serve as a food source for various species of birds.

Medicinal use

The bark of the Guelder Rose is used in traditional medicine for its antispasmodic properties, particularly in the treatment of asthma and menstrual pain. However, the berries are mildly toxic and can cause vomiting or diarrhea if eaten in large amounts.

References

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