Guelder Rose Viburnum opulus
Guelder Rose is a native shrub which has been planted in the hedgerows on Magog Down. The large showy, hydrangea-like flowers are bright white and slightly fragrant. The outer flowers of each flower head are larger with showy petals, and sterile. The central flowers are smaller and fertile.
It brightens the hedges and woodland edges in autumn with brilliant red leaves and bunches of shiny red berries which stay on the plant until after the leaves have dropped. The berries are an important food source for birds, including Bullfinches and Mistle Thrushes.
You can find more information about the wild flowers found on Magog Down in our Flowers throughout the Year critterdex.