Plant Family: Adoxaceae
Growth Form: Coarse shrub up to 4 meters high.
Leaves: Opposite, simple, with three long-pointed lobes, petioles grooved; look for two raised glands with convex tops on the petiole near the leaf base (use a lens).
Bark: Light gray or brown with raised lenticels.
Flowers: The large white outer flowers in each cluster have five petals and are sterile, the smaller inner flowers of the clusters become the fruits.
Fruits: Round yellow drupes that ripen to red, in hanging clusters, August into winter; used to make cranberry sauce and preserves.
Habitat: Cool woods, thickets, shores, and in landscaping.
Range: Throughout New England but more common to the north, ranging north into Canada and west to Minnesota.
Similar Species: Guelder Rose (V. opulus ssp. opulus) is a European subspecies that escapes from cultivation; the leaves have short-pointed lobes and the raised glands on the petiole have concave tops. The flowers are showy but the fruits are rather bitter.
