Photo of Bluebell Woods in Sussex Photo of Bluebell Woods in Sussex

The Wayfaring Tree – Viburnum lantana

As its name suggests, the wayfaring-tree (Viburnum lantana) is a sign, if you aren’t already aware, that you are on or near a path.

It is more a shrub than tree that grows up to 15ft and almost exclusively on chalk or limestone.

Its white flowers have a scent that divides opinion, lily-scented to some, unpleasant to others. The fruit is longer than wide and turns from green to red then black.

Its twigs are both flexible and strong and have long been used as string and to tie bundles and bales.

It earned its name in 1597 when the herbalist Gerard noticed it on the routes between Wiltshire and London.

The Wayfaring Tree – Viburnum lantana

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