Viburnum trilobum(Aka V. opulus)?

This post was edited by saltcedar on Thu, Oct 10, 13 at 14:00

Ah, American Cranberry Bush. Fitting and correct, I believe. Thanks again for your expertise!

You sure about the species?
I just came across a post some days earlier,
American cranberry is V. trilobum,
the european is V opulus.
The latter has slightly toxic fruits and shouldn`t be planted near playgrounds.

Its fruits turn shimmeringly fire engine red,
so perhaps with those yellow shades a V trilobum.

Well, just make sure before eating kind of,

bye, Lin

Here is a link that might be useful: about V trilobum

linaria, the name of the American one changed. It is now Viburnum opulus L. var. americanum.

A book I have claims the two species are differentiated by the flavor of the fruit (European being too bitter for animals to consume, but makes no mention of toxicity) and also by examination of the petiole glands. This variety is planted in a public park. Here is a photo of the berries in late summer.

The combination Viburnum opulus L. var. americanum Aiton dates from 1789. So if somebody thinks the American version of the shrub should now be called that it is a resurrection or continuance of an old name rather than the plant becoming so called for the first time.

Here is a link that might be useful: Plant Name Details

And the molecular evidence indicates that V.trilobum may be a bit closer to V. sargentii than to V. opulus.

Toxicity of the berries is very overstated. They are quite bitter when eaten raw but safe. One would have to eat quite a lot and the worst effects would be an upset stomach. It is in their cooked form that they shine - as a substitute for cranberries, in jams and preserves, wines, etc.