There are conflicting views on how Viburnum opulus and its closely related forms should be treated. A review of the entire genus is currently (2016) underway (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1145606&HistoricalAwards=false) and pending the outcome of this we are following the treatment in the Flora of N. America[] and the GRIN taxonomy database[].

Common Name: Guelder Rose

General Information

Viburnum opulus is a deciduous shrub with a rounded, spreading habit; it often suckers to form a thicket of erect, grey stems that can grow up to 6 metres tall[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes grown in gardens as a fruit crop and for medicinal purposes[], and is often grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it is valued especially for its ornamental fruits and autumn colouring, and where it can be used as a hedge.
Viburnum opulus has escaped gardens and become naturalized in parts of the northeastern and Midwestern U. S. north into Canada[].

Known Hazards

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

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eurasia - Norway to France, east through temperate Asia to the Russian Far East, Japan and Korea; N. America - southern Canada to Washington, Virginia

Habitat

Hedges, scrub and woodland, usually on damp soils[, , ]. Forests, scrub, thickets; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,200 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Viburnum opulus is a very hardy plant, tolerating winter temperatures down to about -30°c[]
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils but is ill-adapted for poor soils and for dry situations[]. It prefers a deep rich moist loamy soil in a sunny position[]. Succeeds in semi-shade but does not grow or fruit so well in such a position[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and on chalk[]. Does not do well on very acid soils. Best if given shade from the early morning sun in spring[].
Any pruning that is required is best carried out immediately after flowering since this promotes the new growth where flower buds are initiated[].
Breeding work to develop superior fruiting forms as a food crop is ongoing in the Belarus Republic, where promising forms with higher fruit yield and better fruit quality have been selected[].
A very ornamental plant[], it is often grown in the flower garden. There are many named varieties - some of these have been developed to produce larger, more showy flowers - these flowers are unfortunately sterile and do not form fruits[, ].
Guelder rose regenerates quickly if it is cut to the ground, it can also produce suckers and will often form thickets[].
The plant is an alternative host for the broad bean aphid[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , ]. A sour taste, it is best cooked. The crushed fruit has an unpleasant smell[]. Used as a cranberry substitute in making, jellies, preserves etc[]. The fruit is often harvested after a frost, which is said to improve the flavour[]. The fruit is up to 8.5mm in diameter but with a large seed[].
Some caution is advised, see notes on toxicity at top of the page.

Medicinal

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[]. It is also used as a sedative remedy for nervous conditions[].

The bark is antispasmodic, astringent and sedative[, , , , ]. The bark contains 'scopoletin', a coumarin that has a sedative affect on the uterus[]. A tea is used internally to relieve all types of spasms, including menstrual cramps, spasms after childbirth and threatened miscarriage[, , ]. It is also used in the treatment of nervous complaints and debility[, , , ].
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[].

The leaves and fruits are antiscorbutic, emetic and laxative[, ].

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

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be grown as a tall hedge[, ], they are rather bare in winter though[]. The cultivar 'Nanum' forms an excellent low hedge which rarely needs trimming[].

Other Uses

A red dye is obtained from the fruit[].
An ink can be made from the dried berries[].

The wood can be used to make skewers[]. It is used to make odd artifacts such as the stems of pipes and shoe nails[].
The wood is used as a fuel[].

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[]. Stored seed will require 2 months warm then 3 months cold stratification and can still take 18 months to germinate[]. 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[]. 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, mid summer in a frame[, ]. 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[].
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 mid summer. Takes 15 months[].