Not all types of viburnum get the decorative bright red or black fruits. Because with the hybrids that are bred, the flowers are sometimes sterile and such flowers cannot form any fruits or seeds.

The red snowball berries are a beautiful winter decoration for any garden

Are the fruits of the viburnum tree edible?

When raw, the fruits of the snowball tree are just as slightly poisonous as the other parts of the plant. However, the toxins lose their effect through cooking, so you can prepare a very tasty jam, for example, from the fruits of the viburnum.

Winter garden decoration

The fruits of the snowball tree and some other species ripen from around August to November and then remain on the bush well into winter. This looks very decorative, especially in hoarfrost or light snowfall. Then the bright red fruits can be seen from afar. 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, snowball (viburnum) is mainly used for a wide variety of menstrual problems. As a herbal remedy, it is not necessarily suitable for self-medication because of its toxicity. While the toxins are also likely to be broken down by frost, which is why the previous literature recommended collecting after the first frost, you shouldn't take any chances.

The effective ingredients of the viburnum include tannins, glycosides, bitter substances and pectin. The snowball should have a diuretic, calming and antispasmodic effect. In its raw state, however, it also causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The essentials in brief:

  • sterile flowers do not produce fruit
  • raw fruits are (slightly) poisonous
  • Fruits of the common viburnum are suitable for cooking jam
  • Fruits of native species serve as winter food for birds

tips

Do not eat the fruits of the viburnum tree raw, they contain toxins that are only broken down by cooking and probably also when there is frost.

Category:

Vegetable garden