A sign of hallowed ground.
When I spotted this bold trio of creamy white flat-topped flowers - each cluster encircled by a ring of larger flowers - I had no idea what a fortunate sight it was. Standing about shoulder high along the trail these at first reminded me of the lacy hydrangeas in my neighbor’s yard. But no, this woody shrub is a marker of sanctified space.
Viburnum opulus var.opulus, commonly called “Guelder-rose” is not a rose at all. It’s a member of the Adoxaceae family which includes up to 200 different species and is native to a broad swath of Europe, northern Africa and central Asia.
The Guelder-rose is an ancient-woodland indicator. That means if you come across it while you're out exploring, it could be a sign you're standing in a rare and special habitat.
Lucky me.
"A culture is no better than its woods.”
W. H. Auden
Ancient woodlands are the richest and most complex terrestrial habitat on the planet. Their complex biodiversity of has accumulated over hundreds of years and are distinctive of their locality. They are irreplaceable.
Right here, practically in my backyard, Guelder-rose is an affirmation that this trail is a treasure – a place for reflection and contemplation.
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