Common Name: Guelder Rose
Genus & Species: Viburnum opulus (L.)
Family: Adoxaceae
Other names: Crampbark, Snowball Tree, European Cranberry-bush
Range and Habitat: A UK native found in fens, woodland, scrub and hedgerow throughout Europe, Central Asia and northern Africa, preferring damp to moisture-retentive alkaline soils. It can however, and often does, succeed in much less favourable habitats. It has also been widely cultivated in gardens by which it was also introduced to the USA and Canada. Within the UK, it is found throughout lowland Britain but rarer in Scotland. It is regarded as an indicator of ancient woodland.
General ID: Guelder rose is a spreading, deciduous, upright shrub. It can reach up to 4m high and can spread from 2–5m. It has greyish, hairless stems. 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, especially the Field Maple (Acer campestre) as its leaves are similar, but the guelder rose leaves have three clear lobes, a somewhat wrinkled upper surface with impressed leaf venation and are softly hairy underneath. with a wrinkled upperside surface. In spring, the leaves are green, and they change to orange-yellow or red in autumn.
Distinct, branched clusters of creamy-white, or sometimes pink, flat-topped flowers appear in May to July. Each cluster of flowers is encircled by a ring of larger, sterile, flowers surrounding a centre of small (5 mm), fertile hermaphrodite flowers. They are superficially similar to the related Elder (Sambucus nigra), however in Elder the flowers are a uniform size and much more fragrant. The fruit is a globose and slightly translucent bright red drupe 7–10 mm diameter, containing a single seed. The crushed fruit has been described as having an unpleasant smell by some. Occasionally, yellow-fruited varieties might be seen and these are likely garden escapes.
Guelder Rose at FFPG
For food… The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked but is definitely better when cooked. The fruit is up to 8.5mm in diameter with a sour acidic taste. Used as a cranberry substitute in making, jellies, preserves etc. As a preserve it is a traditional accompaniment to venison and other game.
It is however mildly toxic and may cause vomiting or diarrhoea if eaten in large amounts and therefore should be used in moderation.
For healing… As the name Crampbark might suggest, 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 effect 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.
In culture… The common name 'guelder rose' relates to the Dutch province of Gelderland, where a popular cultivar, the snowball tree, supposedly originated. It is also very significant in Slavic cultures where it is known as Kalina or Kalyna. In ancient Slavic mythology it was associated with the birth of the Universe, the so-called Fire Trinity: the Sun, the Moon, and the Star. Its berries symbolize one's home and native land, blood, and family roots as well as representing a maiden’s beauty. As such it was often depicted in Ukrainian folklore such as songs, decorative art, poetry, and the embroidery of ritual cloths and shirts. The song Chervona Kalyna was the anthem of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, and a berry cluster is today an insignia of the Ukrainian Army.
It is also one of the national symbols of Russia. It features as an important symbol of the Russian national ornamental wood painting handicraft style called Khokhloma. In Russian the fruit is called kalina (калина) derived from kalit' or raskalyat', which means "to make red-hot". The red fiery colour of the berries represents beauty in Russian culture and together with sweet raspberries it maintains the ancient symbolism of the passionate love of a beautiful maiden, since berries were always an erotic symbol in Russia. The bitter side of the red fruit also symbolizes love separation in Russian folk culture.
Songs about it are considered a traditional part of Russian weddings, Indeed, the name of the Russian song Kalinka (a diminutive of Kalina) which has become popularised in such diverse forms as a Euro-dance song by the Danish group Infernal, Chelsea FC playing it before or after important matches, including the Champions League clashes with FC Barcelona and the League Cup final after Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003. A Hindi version of it can be found in the 2011 Hindi film 7 Khoon Maaf. It also features on a number of computer games including in Atari's 1988 version of Tetris and many versions thereafter as well as in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and 3.
In Romanian, which has been influenced by East Slavic culture, Viburnum opulus is called călin. Călin is also used as both a given name and a surname.
For wildlife… The flowers are popular with a wide range of native butterflies, moths, bees thrips and hoverflies. The berries are attractive to many species of thrush (Turdus sp.) and the Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) – a winter migrant.
At FFPG… Guelder Rose can be found in the Forest Garden, Damp Meadow and Hedgerow at FFPG.
Disclaimer:
This is intended for information only. FFPG, its staff, trustees and volunteers do not make any claim as to the safety or efficacy of plants listed for medicinal purposes and do not encourage the consumption or use of any of the plants listed herein. Anybody wishing to use plants for medicinal effect is advised to consult their medical professional.