Guelder-rose
Viburnum opulus
Also listed as Opulus palustris, Opulus edulis
Also known as European Cranberrybush, Snowball Tree, Crampbark
Climate Match for your location
See how well Guelder-rose grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A deciduous shrub prized for its showy white lacecap flowers in spring, followed by bright red berries that attract wildlife and persist into winter. The foliage turns vibrant red and burgundy in autumn.
Why grow it
Guelder-rose offers reliable four-season interest with showy lacecap flowers, persistent winter berries, and dependable autumn color, making it a stronger choice than many viburnums for wildlife value and visual impact across seasons. It tolerates a wider range of soil conditions than some ornamental viburnums and performs well in both full sun and partial shade, suiting various landscape positions without requiring specialized care.
Watch out for
Plants may take several years to reach mature flowering and fruiting size, so patience is needed before appreciating the full seasonal display. Berries, while attractive to birds, can occasionally be stripped quickly in some areas, depending on local wildlife populations, so visual persistence into winter is not guaranteed in all locations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Viburnaceae
Native Range
Europe, western Asia, North Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A deciduous shrub prized for its showy white lacecap flowers in spring, followed by bright red berries that attract wildlife and persist into winter. The foliage turns vibrant red and burgundy in autumn.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Guelder-rose grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Guelder-rose offers reliable four-season interest with showy lacecap flowers, persistent winter berries, and dependable autumn color, making it a stronger choice than many viburnums for wildlife value and visual impact across seasons. It tolerates a wider range of soil conditions than some ornamental viburnums and performs well in both full sun and partial shade, suiting various landscape positions without requiring specialized care.
Watch out for
Plants may take several years to reach mature flowering and fruiting size, so patience is needed before appreciating the full seasonal display. Berries, while attractive to birds, can occasionally be stripped quickly in some areas, depending on local wildlife populations, so visual persistence into winter is not guaranteed in all locations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Viburnaceae
Native Range
Europe, western Asia, North Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.