Family: Caprifoliaceae
Synonyms: Viburnum trilobum Marsh
common name: balloon in May, snowball
ETYMOLOGY: The genus name is the one with which the ancient Romans called this plant, apparently originated from the term Viere (wire, twist), referring to the flexibility of the branches, once used to make baskets. The specific attribute opulus is the ancient Latin name of the maple country, and is due to the similarity to those of the leaves of the plant
viburnum 'Snowball' is a large shrub or small deciduous tree up to 3-4 meters tall, with generally ovate or rounded crown, common in the northern hemisphere from Europe Japan, for its very decorative characteristic and abundant flowering, with white flowers, fragrant and corymbs or ombrelliformi peaks. In Italy it is widespread in the wild mainly in the northern regions, where he lives in a damp and cool, in bright sunlight or in the undergrowth. highly tolerant to polluted air of cities and, although adapting well to different substrates, p redilige calcareous soils rich in minerals. Of all the viburnum is by far the most popular and as original species, indigenous in Italy, both as ornamental species in many varieties derived from the selection nursery
leaves are opposite, with 3-5 lobes and briefly petiolate, similar in shape to those of maples, with a margin rounded and irregular teeth, length of up to 10 cm. The upper surface is hairless and dark green, while the bottom is finely pubescent and slightly lighter. The petiole has clear greenish nectar glands, located in its upper portion, which attract ants
flowers, which appear in May-June, are in corymbs glabrous, ombrelliformi, of about 7-12 cm in diameter: the peripheral flowers are larger than domestic ones, and are sterile, very fragrant, with the function of attract pollinators, the flowers fertile interior all'infiorescenza lead five stamens with yellow anthers
fruits are fleshy drupes, globose and shining, translucent, with a diameter of 6-8 mm, greenish at first then a nice bright red color at maturity (August-September), often persist after leaf fall. Grouped in clusters, grow in the middle of corymb, matching the flowers fertile and contain a single seed, flat heart-shaped: they are dall'avifauna appetite, but if ingested by humans, are toxic and can cause severe intestinal pain
take in the leaves autumn, before falling, a very vibrant red color and showy
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