Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus), packet of 10 seeds, Organic

Family: Honeysuckle (Caprifoliaceae) Zones 3 to 8 (Guelder Rose, Highbush Cranberry) Taxonomic note:  Modern molecular genetics recommends shifting the plant to the Adoxaceae Regarding new and old-world ecotypes:  We have identified our mother bushes as the European form (Viburnum opulus).  The American form (Viburnum opulus var. americanum or Viburnum trilobum) is very similar.  The plants are used interchangeably in herbalism and wine making. Multistemmed deciduous  bush to 12 feet, covered with decorative white flowers in the spring, shiny red berries in the summer and brightly colored leaves in the fall. The fresh berries may be made into wine or mead, or cooked down into a lovely sauce or jam, more or less sweet depending on how much sugar is added. The bush itself is used extensively in landscaping, and may be shaped as desired.   Traditional usage (TWM):  The tea or tincture of the bark, readily stripped from the thinnings in spring and dried, has been used since antiquity to alleviate menstrual cramps, being nontoxic, non-inebriating, universally acceptable and reliable. Tree prefers full sun to part shade and regular garden soil.  Seed is from the recent harvest.  We smash the berries, wash and float out the seeds and gently dry the seeds before storage and packaging.  Seeds sown in the fall germinate in the second spring, a 20 month induction period according to our experiments.  High rates of germ are typical.  Plant seed 1/2 inch deep in a gallon pot, mulch with coir or peat, and keep in cool, moist shade.  It really does seem like a long time to wait for seedlings, but this is a reliable method, tested here at our farm a number of times with good success, and trees grown from seed end up being the best trees overall, as they have a nice, spreading root system and are individuals, not clones.  Individuate seedlings to gallon pots and grow out for a year before transplanting to landscape.  Space at least 15 feet apart. 10 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown