photo: The Dow Gardens Archive, Dow Gardens, Bugwood.org
European Cranberry Bushh (Viburnum opulus var. opulus)
 The Dow Gardens Archive, Dow Gardens, Bugwood.org |
 The Dow Gardens Archive, Dow Gardens, Bugwood.org |
 The Dow Gardens Archive, Dow Gardens, Bugwood.org |
Form:
It is a deciduous shrub with a dense, rounded, spreading habit that typically grows to 8-12’ tall.
Leaves:
Three lobed, maple-like, dark green leaves.
Flowers:
Flowers are 3” wide cymes, with small, non-showy fertile inner flowers surrounded by a ring of showy sterile flowers.
Fruits & Seeds:
Drooping clusters of cranberry-like red berries (drupes) in fall.
Similar Species:
Viburnum opulus var. americanum, American cranberrybush, is very similar in appearance except for the shape of the glands at the end of the leaf stalks. This species is listed as threatened in Ohio.
Tier 3 - Presence is of Interest
The species that occur in this tier are likely ornamental escapes. It is not known whether they are established and/or spreading within Cleveland Metroparks. The ecological impact is poorly known for these species.
Action: The presence of these plants should be recorded by approximating the number of plants. Initial population numbers are likely small.
