Not all types of viburnum have the decorative bright red or black fruits. Because the flowers of the hybrids bred are sometimes sterile and such flowers cannot produce fruits and seeds.
Are viburnum bush fruits edible?
Viburnum bush fruits are slightly poisonous when raw, but become non-toxic when cooked. The common viburnum is suitable for making jam, while other species serve as winter food for birds. Raw fruits should not be consumed.
Are the fruits of the viburnum bush edible?
When raw, the fruits of the viburnum bush are just as slightly poisonous as the other parts of the plant. However, the toxins lose their effect when cooked, so you can make a very tasty jam, for example from the fruits of the viburnum.
Winter garden decoration
The fruits of the common viburnum and some other species ripen from around August to November and then remain on the bush until well into the winter. This looks very decorative, especially in hoarfrost or light snowfall. Then the bright red fruits can be seen from far away. However, they are not only decorative but also an important food source for some native bird species.
Is the snowball also used medicinally?
In homeopathy, the snowball (viburnum) is used primarily for a wide variety of menstrual problems; as a herbal remedy it is not necessarily suitable for self-medication because of its toxicity. The toxins are probably broken down by frost, which is why previous literature recommended collecting them after the first frost, but you shouldn't take any risks.
The effective ingredients of the snowball include tannins, glycosides, bitter substances and pectin. The snowball should have a diuretic, calming and antispasmodic effect. When raw, it also leads to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The most important things in brief:
- sterile flowers do not form fruits
- raw fruits are (slightly) poisonous
- Fruits of the viburnum are suitable for making jam
- Fruits of native species serve as winter food for birds
Tip
Do not eat the fruits of the snowball bush raw, they contain toxins that are only broken down by cooking and probably also by frost.