Mooseberry

This understory shrub, also known as hobblebush, witch hobble, or alder-leaved viburnum, grows 1 to 3 metres tall. Its bark is smooth and red, and its branches often spread horizontally, sometimes even trailing along the ground.

The opposite leaves, 7 to 20 cm wide, are heart-shaped, pleated, and held above the twigs. Their prominent veins resemble those of the alder, giving rise to the name alder-leaved viburnum. The leaf undersides are pubescent, and the leaves are green, turning deep red-purple to dark violet in autumn.

Large, scale-less buds in a pale cinnamon hue distinguish this species from other viburnums. These features—the scale-less buds and the shape and colour of the leaf primordia—are reminiscent of moose antlers.

The white flowers of mooseberry form flat-topped clusters. The large sterile flowers around the edges attract insects, while the small fertile flowers in the centre ensure reproduction.

Its fruits are small, fleshy berries, red-violet in colour, that turn nearly black when ripe.