Larva Click for more information about adult viburnum leaf beetles
Click for more information about viburnum leaf beetle larvae Click for more information about viburnum leaf beetle eggs.

Viburnum Leaf Beetle
Guide to identifying viburnums

Which viburnum is it?



Cranberry Bush
Viburnum opulus

Viburnum leaf
beetle home

Guide to identifying Viburnums

  • Common names


  • Is it a viburnum?


  • Which viburnum?


  • Express key


  • ID tutorial


    • Guide to viburnums by David Swaciak.

    Leaf drawings by
    Marcia Eames-Sheavly.

    Logo images by Paul Weston & Craig Cramer

         		Note: This species combines what were once considered two distinct species, the European cranberry bush (V. opulus) and the American cranberry bush (V. opulus var. americana). Most references still refer to the American cranberry bush by its old latin name, V. trilobum. The two cranberry bushes are difficult to distinguish, and for the purposes of this project, you don't need to tell them apart. Simply choose V. opulus on the data form.

    Leaves:

    • Deciduous
    • 2 to 4 inches long and wide
    • 3 lobes
    • Pubescent (hairy) veins on underside
    Viburnum opulus
    Click for larger image.

    V. opulus leaves can vary tremendously in size.
    V. opulus leaves can vary tremendously in size.
    Click for larger image.
    Flowers:
    • Small white, held in 2- to 3.5-inch flat clusters
    • Less showy fertile inner flowers are surrounded by a ring of showier sterile flowers
    • Inner flowers have creamy yellow anthers (pollen filaments, right)
    Fruit:
    • Bright red berries held in pendulous (drooping) clusters
    Viburnum opulus anthers.
    Click for larger image.
    Petiole:
    • Stipules (fang-like appendages) along base of petiole (leaf stem)
    • Glands (bumps) on petiole near base of leaf blade

    Glands on petiole.
    Click for larger image.
    Stipule. Click for larger image.


    Cultivar 'Roseum'

    Also known as European Snowball bush or Guilder Rose, this old favorite is covered with showy, white, 3-inch-wide inflorescences of sterile flowers, which produce no fruit. Flowers start out greenish and may turn pinkish as they mature.

    More information:

    Similar Species and distinguishing characteristics:

    Viburnum acerifolium
    Leaves 2 to 4 inches long and wide. Petiole without glands

    Viburnum sargentii
    Leaves 2 to 5 inches long and wide. Flowers have purple anthers (pollen filaments).

    Back to beginning Which viburnum is it?


    © Copyright, Department of Horticulture, Cornell University.

    Project coordinator: Lori Brewer, ljb7@cornell.edu
    Website design: Craig Cramer cdc25@cornell.edu

    Mention of trade names and commercial products is for educational purposes; no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied. Pesticide recommendations are for informational purposes only and manufacturers' recommendations change. Read the manufacturers' instructions carefully before use. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University assumes no responsibility for the use of any pesticide or chemicals. Some of the links provided are not maintained by Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University are not responsible for information on these websites. They are included for information purposes only and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied. Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.