guelder rose: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Technical (Botany, Horticulture)
Quick answer
What does “guelder rose” mean?
A deciduous shrub (Viburnum opulus) native to Europe and Asia, known for its large, spherical clusters of white flowers and bright red berries in autumn.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A deciduous shrub (Viburnum opulus) native to Europe and Asia, known for its large, spherical clusters of white flowers and bright red berries in autumn.
The term can refer to the plant itself, its flowers, or its decorative use in gardens and landscaping. It is also a historical symbol, particularly associated with the Dutch province of Gelderland.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly known and used in British English, especially in gardening contexts. In American English, 'guelder rose' is a less common, specialist term; 'European cranberrybush', 'snowball tree', or simply 'Viburnum opulus' are more frequent.
Connotations
In the UK, it connotes traditional cottage gardens, countryside hedgerows, and autumn landscapes. In the US, it carries a more technical or botanical connotation.
Frequency
High frequency in UK gardening literature and historic texts; very low frequency in general US English.
Grammar
How to Use “guelder rose” in a Sentence
The guelder rose [verbs: grows/flourishes/blooms] in [location].We admired the [adjective] guelder rose.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guelder rose” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The garden was guelder-rose'd in every corner with the white blooms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except possibly in niche horticultural trade.
Academic
Used in botanical, horticultural, and ecological texts.
Everyday
Uncommon in general conversation; used by gardeners and nature enthusiasts.
Technical
Standard term in botany and horticulture for the species Viburnum opulus.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guelder rose”
- Misspelling as 'guilder rose' (confusing with the old coin).
- Confusing it with the common rose (Rosa).
- Using it as a general term for any Viburnum.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The berries are technically edible but very bitter and astringent when raw; they are sometimes used in jellies after cooking.
It is named after the Dutch province of Gelderland, where the plant was thought to have been cultivated extensively.
'Snowball tree' usually refers specifically to the sterile cultivar Viburnum opulus 'Roseum', which has larger, rounder flower clusters, while 'guelder rose' can refer to the wild species as well.
It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Pruning, if needed, should be done after flowering.
A deciduous shrub (Viburnum opulus) native to Europe and Asia, known for its large, spherical clusters of white flowers and bright red berries in autumn.
Guelder rose is usually formal / technical (botany, horticulture) in register.
Guelder rose: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡeldə ˈrəʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡeldər ˈroʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific plant.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"GUELDER ROSE sounds like 'guilder' (old Dutch coin) + rose; the plant is named after the Dutch province of Gelderland."
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURAL BEAUTY IS A DECORATIVE OBJECT (e.g., 'the garden was adorned with guelder roses').
Practice
Quiz
What is 'guelder rose' primarily associated with?