guelder rose
/ˈɡɛldə
/noun
A deciduous Eurasian shrub with flattened heads of fragrant creamy-white flowers, followed by clusters of translucent red berries.
- Viburnum opulus, family Caprifoliaceae. See also snowball tree.
- Apparently, Chaucer was fond of eating the berries of the commonly known guelder rose but most find them bitter and smelly.
- However, in hedgerows, aliens like fuchsia, buddleia and snowberry are pushing out native species like spindle and guelder rose.
Origin
Late 16th century: from Dutch geldersche roos 'rose of Gelderland' (see Gelderland).