Guelder rose ( Viburnum opulus )

A PA INVASIVE SPECIES

Guelder rose(Viburnum opulus)

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 viburnumAmerican cranberryEuropean cranberry viburnumCramp barkEuropean snowball bushRed Elder Rose Elder

Habitat

Hedgerows MarshesEdges of wooded areasBoth in acidic and heavy clay soil

Adaptations

Frostproof Hygrophilous – grow in moist areasPrefers acidic soils Shade-tolerantNo harm from dust and air pollution

Areas of inhabitance

Relatively cool climateReported 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 seedsCan cause stomach irritation

Description - Leaves

Maple-like3-5 inches longPalmate lobed – leaf divided into 3 more

lobes. Coarsely serratedOpposite Red or purpleYoung leaves are covered in downAdult leaves are smooth and shiny

Invasive qualities

Spreads to find sunlightWill choke out neighboring plantsNo found enemies

treatment

PruningShearChemicals

Herbicides glyphosate

Fruit

Eaten raw or cookedSour Crushed berries have an unpleasant smellUsed instead of cranberries

Jellies Preservatives

MedicinesEaten 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 dyesCan be used for medicine, treating:

Asthma Spasms

Menstrual cramps Treated miscarriage

Laxative ink and dyes

Sources

photo-flowers.co.uk/flower%20cut%20out.html http://www.electricscotland.com/gardening/plantlife/chapter12-2.ht

m  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-Wild-Flowers/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