Guelder rose, Crampbark

Description: A large shrub or small tree with palmate leaves, white blossoms and vivid red berries.

Habitat: Hedgerows, woodlands, fens and scrubland.

Distribution: Widely distributed throughout England, Wales and Ireland and scattered in Scotland. Native to Eurasia and North America.

Related species: There are around 150 species in the genus worldwide. Black haw (V. prunifolium) from the eastern USA has similar herbal uses.

Parts used: Bark, harvested while the tree is in leaf.