European Cranberrybush, Viburnum opulus L. var. opulus, Flowering Plants of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

(Snowball Bush, Rose elder, Guelder Rose). The viburnums are shrubs of woodlands and moist woodland borders. The European Cranberrybush, like the American Cranberrybush, is distinguished by the flowers, in clusters, where the outer ring of flowers are particularly showy and noticeable. These flowers are sterile, whereas the inner cluster of small flowers are fertile. Flower clusters form on the ends on new growth branches. This species is self-sterile and requires another plant to be nearby for pollination, otherwise very few fruits will form. The leaves are three lobed and with course teeth. After flowering in May the fruit forms and gradually changes color from green to the deep red of Autumn. The fruit is acidic but properly prepared makes a good preserve. Unlike the Highbush Cranberry which does best in moist woodland environment, this species will also grow and fruit in a dryer upland site. However, it is not considered as desirable as the American Cranberrybush as it has poorer fall color and is susceptible to aphids. Winter Interest: Plants may hold their red fruit many times well into the winter, making a strong contrast with winter grays and whites. Many birds prefer to eat the berries after they have been once frozen and thawed, which reduces the acidic content. These shrubs are found in the dappled shade areas of the Upland Garden.

	Plants of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
	Common Name	Scientific Name	Plant Family	Garden Location	Prime Season
	European Cranberrybush	Viburnum opulus L. var. opulus	Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle)	Upland	Spring Flowering
Other names and notes	(Snowball Bush, Rose elder, Guelder Rose). The viburnums are shrubs of woodlands and moist woodland borders. The European Cranberrybush, like the American Cranberrybush, is distinguished by the flowers, in clusters, where the outer ring of flowers are particularly showy and noticeable. These flowers are sterile, whereas the inner cluster of small flowers are fertile. Flower clusters form on the ends on new growth branches. This species is self-sterile and requires another plant to be nearby for pollination, otherwise very few fruits will form. The leaves are three lobed and with course teeth. After flowering in May the fruit forms and gradually changes color from green to the deep red of Autumn. The fruit is acidic but properly prepared makes a good preserve. Unlike the Highbush Cranberry which does best in moist woodland environment, this species will also grow and fruit in a dryer upland site. However, it is not considered as desirable as the American Cranberrybush as it has poorer fall color and is susceptible to aphids. Winter Interest: Plants may hold their red fruit many times well into the winter, making a strong contrast with winter grays and whites. Many birds prefer to eat the berries after they have been once frozen and thawed, which reduces the acidic content. These shrubs are found in the dappled shade areas of the Upland Garden.