Cramp Bark

Viburnum opulus 

Family:  Caprifoliaceae
Perennial deciduous bush. Native to cool, boggy areas of North America, Europe and Asia.  Attractive addition to the landscape, making large, white flowers in the spring.  The bark contains valeric esters, and the tea or tincture of the dried bark very effectively alleviates menstrual cramps.  Cultivation: Challenging. Seed sown in the spring or summer will germinate the following spring.  The hardy transplants may be grown in pots for a year or more, then planted directly out to permanent location.  4 feet apart.  Full sun.  Grows to 6 feet tall.



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