Definition of guelder rose in US English:
guelder rose
nounˈɡeldər ˌrōzˈɡɛldər ˌroʊz
A deciduous Eurasian shrub of the honeysuckle family with flattened heads of fragrant, creamy-white flowers, followed by clusters of bitter translucent red berries. Similar to the closely related highbush cranberry, it is widely cultivated in North America.
Viburnum opulus, family Caprifoliaceae. See also snowball bush
Example sentencesExamples
- Another excellent berried shrub is the guelder rose Viburnum opulus.
- And cut into hedges of Crataegus pedicellata, Euonymus ‘Emerald Gaiety’, white lilac, field hedges and guelder rose, are spaces specially cut in preparation for more artistic deliveries.
- However, in hedgerows, aliens like fuchsia, buddleia and snowberry are pushing out native species like spindle and guelder rose.
- Apparently, Chaucer was fond of eating the berries of the commonly known guelder rose but most find them bitter and smelly.
Origin
Late 16th century: from Dutch geldersche roos ‘rose of Gelderland’ (see Gelderland).