Viburnum opulus, commonly known as Guelder rose, is a hardy, vigorous shrub native to the UK. This deciduous shrub has an upright form, reaching up to 4m in height and spreading 2-5m, typically growing in damp, neutral, or chalky soils at low altitudes and indicates an ancient-woodland. Due to threats from the Viburnum beetle, which defoliates leaves from the shrub. Holes in leaves and brown, dried leaf edges are signs of an attack. The Viburnum beetle is photograph below.
Blossoming umbels of large china white flowers in spring, contributing to autumn colour and offering vibrant red berries which birds love, in particular bullfinch and mistle thrush. These berries are said to be the favourite food of the waxwing too.
Viburnum opulus can be identified by its broad, lobed leaves that turn red in the autumn.
Viburnum opulus is also one the national symbols of Ukraine, mentioned in many folk songs and featured in art and embroidery.
The following photographs explore these characteristics in more detail.
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