The Amazing Adventures of Archibald Esq.
Horticultural Hound: Dog Rowan or Dog Eller
Dog Eller or Dog Rowan is an accepted name in the RHS Horticultural Database for Viburnum opulus. This plant has a range of Eurasia.
The ‘Gaitre-Beries’ of which Chaucer makes mention among the plants that ’shal be for your hele’ to ‘picke hem right as they grow and ete hem in,’ are the deep red clusters of berries of the Wild Guelder Rose, a shrub growing 5 to 10 feet high, belonging to the same family as the Elder, found in copses and hedgerows throughout England, though rare in Scotland, and also indigenous to North America, where it is found in the eastern United States.
Other names include GUELDER ROSE; CRAMPBARK; CRANBERRY; DOG ELLER; DOG ROWAN; EUROPEAN CRANBERRY BUSH; EUROPEAN CRANBERRY TREE; GATTEN; GATTEN TREE; MARSH ALDER; OPLE TREE; RED ELDER; ROSE ELDER; SNOWBALL TREE; WATER ELDER; WHITTEN TREE.
Dog Rowan, or Rose Elder, is a large attractive shrub that is often found in the wild in bogs. They are showy in spring for their large 4-5″ clusters of small white flowers. In late summer the fruit turns bright red and remains on throughout the winter. In the fall the leaves become scarlet.
The creamy-white flowers appear in late May/early June and measure 3 to 4 inches across. Full growth of the shrub requires 5 to 10 years. It is an attractive flowering landscape plant for use in odd areas or in group plantings around homes and farm ponds. The fruit is a bright red which increases its ornamental value.
Dog Rowan is a good wildlife food and cover plant for small mammals and birds. It grows along stream banks, and prefers low moist ground.
In the wild Dog Rowan twigs are eaten by deer, and the bush’s fruits are a staple winter food for ruffed grouse and are eaten sparingly by pheasants and at least five species of songbirds.
Awoof!
Archie
Posted 13 Jun 07
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