Difference between Viburnum trilobum and Viburnum opulus

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Moose, Jul 30, 2006.

  1. Moose

    Moose Member

    Messages:
    21
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Owen Sound, Ontario
    Plant identification books always state "it is reported" that the fruit of V.trilobum (Highbush cranberry) is more attractive to birds than berries of V. opulus (Guelder rose). Supposedly berries of V.opulus stay on the tree all winter and are only eaten by birds the next spring in desperation.

    This is perhaps an old wives' tale that has been taken as gospel in many quarters.

    I was collecting some V. trilobum berries recently and found that the berries were very loosely connected to the stem, even some of the less ripe berries. Pick one berry and another two would be jarred loose and fall to the ground.

    Therefore another explanation for why berries of V. opulus stay on the tree over winter could be that they are more firmly attached to the stem.
     
  2. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

    Messages:
    11,417
    Likes Received:
    501
    Location:
    Britain zone 8/9
    V. opulus is mildly poisonous to people, while I gather V. trilobum is edible. Not sure how this will affect birds though, there are numerous plants which have berries poisonous to man but not to birds. But birds (thrushes, waxwings) here certainly eat V. opulus fairly freely.
     

Share This Page