guelder rose

The guelder rose, scientifically known as Viburnum opulus, is a shrub or small tree native to Eurasia and North Africa. It is often cultivated for its ornamental value, featuring clusters of white flowers and bright red berries.12

A specific variety, V. opulus variety roseum, is commonly called the snowball or guelder rose due to its large, round heads of sterile white flowers. The leaves of the European cranberry, or guelder rose, turn red in the autumn. This plant belongs to the family Adoxaceae, which includes about 175 species of shrubs and small trees.2