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Adoxaceae BUSH OUTDOOR Placement Primary: Ornamental Medicinal Companion

Guelder Rose

Viburnum opulus

Identified By Marcs

The Guelder Rose, scientifically known as Viburnum opulus, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Adoxaceae family. It is widely recognized for its stunning lacecap white flowers in spring, followed by clusters of bright translucent red berries in autumn, and beautiful red autumn foliage. This hardy plant is native to Europe, northern Africa, and central Asia, thriving in damp woods and floodplains. It is frequently cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its high seasonal interest and wildlife value, providing food for birds and pollinators throughout the year.

Also known as: European cranberrybush Water elder Cramp bark

Toxicity & Safety

Is Guelder Rose toxic to pets?

Yes, toxic to pets.

The berries and foliage of the Guelder Rose contain compounds that can cause significant gastrointestinal irritation in pets. Ingestion by dogs, cats, or horses typically leads to symptoms such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. While mature plants are rarely fatally toxic, consuming large quantities of the raw berries can severely upset your pet's digestive system, requiring veterinary consultation to ensure proper hydration and symptomatic relief.

Is Guelder Rose toxic to humans?

Yes, toxic to humans.

Consuming raw berries of the Guelder Rose in large quantities is known to cause severe human toxicity symptoms, primarily manifesting as intense gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. The raw fruits contain chemical irritants that disrupt the stomach lining. However, cooking or processing the berries into jams and syrups often neutralizes these harsh compounds, making them safer for culinary uses, though moderation is always strongly advised to prevent any adverse digestive reactions.

Is Guelder Rose safe during pregnancy?

Caution advised during pregnancy.

The bark and fruit extracts of the Guelder Rose, historically used as cramp bark for smooth muscle relaxation, must be strictly avoided during pregnancy unless explicitly prescribed by a qualified medical professional. Because the plant contains active constituents that stimulate or relax uterine muscles, unmonitored consumption poses a potential risk of inducing contractions or complications, thereby endangering both maternal health and the normal progression of pregnancy.

Growth & Dimensions

Height 200 - 400 cm
Width 200 - 300 cm
Growth Rate Moderate
Care Level Easy
Lifespan Perennial

Ideal Environment

Temperature -35°C - 30°C
Sunlight Hours 4 - 8 hrs/day
Sun Exposure Partial shade
Soil pH 6 - 7.5
Watering Interval 7 - 14 days
Humidity 40.00% - 80.00%
USDA Zone 3a - 8b

Temperate Europe and Asia

Climate: Thrives in cool to temperate climates with adequate seasonal rainfall, cool winters, and mild summers without extreme prolonged heatwaves.

Soils: Clay Loam Chalk
Annual Rainfall: 600 - 1200 mm

Native Regions

Europe
Northwest Africa
Central Asia
Northern Asia
Northern Africa

How to Care for Guelder Rose

How should I handle sunlight and location?

Plant your Guelder Rose in a location that receives full sun to partial shade for optimal flower and fruit development. While it tolerates full shade quite well, the intensity of autumn foliage color and the abundance of blossoms will be noticeably reduced in darker, deeply shaded environments.

How should I handle moisture and watering?

Provide regular watering during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, the Guelder Rose exhibits good tolerance for occasional dry spells, but it truly thrives and performs best when kept in consistently moist, well-drained soils reminiscent of its native riparian habitats.

How to Propagate Guelder Rose

How to propagate Guelder Rose by cutting?

Take semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, disease-free current season growth during the mid-to-late summer months. Prepare cuttings approximately 10 to 15 centimeters in length, removing the lower leaves and dipping the basal end into a rooting hormone powder. Insert the cuttings into a well-draining propagation medium consisting of perlite and peat moss. Maintain high humidity around the cuttings using a plastic dome or misting system, keep the soil moderately moist, and place them in bright, indirect light until robust root systems develop before transplanting them into individual containers.

Common Diseases & Pests of Guelder Rose

What is Viburnum Leaf Beetle and how is it treated?

Pest
Symptoms:

Both the larvae and adult beetles feed aggressively on the foliage of the Guelder Rose, skeletonizing the leaves by eating the soft tissue between the major veins. Severe infestations leave the shrub completely defoliated, heavily stressed, and aesthetically damaged by mid-summer.

Treatment:

Prune away severely infested stems containing overwintering egg sites during late winter or early spring. Introduce beneficial predatory insects or apply insecticidal soaps and appropriate organic pesticides targeting the active larvae feeding periods in late spring.

Prevention:

Inspect your shrubs regularly during winter for characteristic twig swellings where eggs are laid, and prune them out promptly before hatching occurs in spring to suppress local populations.

Properties & Benefits of Guelder Rose

Bears Fruit

Uses & Health Benefits

What are the benefits of traditional muscle relaxant properties in Guelder Rose?

The bark of the Guelder Rose has a long history of traditional use as a natural remedy for relieving muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, and tension in smooth muscle tissue. Herbalists historically prepared tinctures and infusions from the dried bark to help calm spasmodic pains, soothe nervous tension, and support general female reproductive health during difficult menstrual cycles. Modern herbal applications continue to value its antispasmodic qualities, although scientific clinical trials remain limited regarding its precise pharmacological mechanisms in humans.

Precautions: Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before consuming preparations made from the bark.

Key Nutrients / Compounds

Antioxidants rich in Varies by ripeness
Vitamin C moderate 15 mg / 100g

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