This species is common to both continents. In Europe it is cultivated
under the name of Guelder Rose. In America it is known as the
Snowball-tree of our gardens, and it seems to be identical with the
Maple-leaved Viburnum of our woods. In the garden variety the clusters
are nearly globular, consisting entirely of barren flowers, and
differing from those of the wild plant in the enlargement of the
florets. In the wild tree some barren florets with enlarged petals may
be seen mingled with others in the cyme, chiefly encircling the disk.
The fruit of this species is of a bright scarlet, and bears a
superficial resemblance to cranberries, having also a similar acid
taste, but a different internal structure.