Guelder Rose is a plant with special ornamental features. The spelling of its name, however, poses a challenge to many. "Guelder" is pronounced as /ˈɡɛldər/ and the "e" before "r" is silent. The word "Rose" is pronounced as /roʊz/. The name of this plant was derived from Gelderland, a province in the Netherlands, where it was commonly grown in gardens. This shrub is known for its beautiful white flowers and striking red berries, making it a sought-after addition to many gardens.
Guelder Rose is a shrub-like plant scientifically known as Viburnum opulus. It belongs to the family Adoxaceae and is native to Europe, northern Africa, and central Asia. The name "Guelder Rose" is derived from the region of Gueldersland in the Netherlands, where it was first cultivated.
This deciduous shrub typically grows up to 13 feet in height and has an upright, spreading form. Its leaves are lobed and dark green, turning vibrant shades of yellow and red in the autumn. Guelder Rose produces large and flat corymbs of fragrant white flowers in spring, attracting various pollinators like bees and butterflies. These flowers later develop into round clusters of bright red berries, known as drupes, which persist throughout autumn and into winter.
The plant has been used for both ornamental and medicinal purposes for centuries. In landscaping, Guelder Rose is commonly cultivated for its attractive flowers, berries, and fall foliage, adding visual interest to gardens and hedgerows. Its fruit is sometimes used in jellies, preserves, and traditional liqueurs. Medicinally, some parts of the plant, especially the bark, have been utilized as a herbal remedy for various ailments like fever, inflammation, and digestive disorders.
Overall, Guelder Rose is an ornamental shrub appreciated for its cluster of beautiful white flowers, bright red berries, and autumnal leaf tints. With its historical significance and numerous practical and aesthetic applications, this plant continues to be cherished by gardeners, herbalists, and nature enthusiasts worldwide.
A shrub bearing large bunches of white flowers-called snowball-tree.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Guelder Rose" has an interesting etymology.
The term "Guelder" refers to the region of Guelders (also known as Gelderland), which is a province in the eastern part of the Netherlands. The term "Rose" simply comes from the flower's resemblance to the blooms of roses.
The Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus) is a flowering plant native to Europe, including the Netherlands. It was named after the region of Guelders because it was commonly found growing in the wild there. Over time, the plant became associated with the region, and the name stuck.
It is worth noting that the Guelder Rose is not actually a true rose, but rather a member of the Viburnum genus. However, its clusters of white flowers, which resemble wild roses, contributed to the appropriation of the term "Rose" in its name.