Guelder-rose
General poisoning notes:
Guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus) was introduced as a cultivated ornamental and can grow across southern Canada. Occasionally, the shrub may become naturalized. The fears of serious poisoning reported in older literature seem unfounded. Humans who ingest the berries may experience mild symptoms (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Viburnum opulus L.
Vernacular name(s): Guelder-rose
Scientific family name: Caprifoliaceae
Vernacular family name: honeysuckle
Viburnum opulus L.
Geographic Information
Plant or plant parts used in or around the home.
Toxic parts:
Immature fruit
Animals/Human Poisoning:
Note: When an animal is listed without additional information, the literature (as of 1993) contained no detailed explanation.
Humans
General symptoms of poisoning:
Diarrhea, vomiting.
Notes on poisoning:
The older European literature suggests that ingesting the berries can cause serious poisoning or even death. However, no recent cases of serious poisoning have been reported. Ingesting the fruits can cause diarrhea or vomiting if unripe berries or large quantities of berries are eaten (Frohne and Pfander 1983).
