What is Cramp Bark?

Cramp Bark is the dried bark of Viburnum opulus, a deciduous shrub also known as Guelder Rose, European Cranberry Bush, and Snowball Tree. It is traditionally called Cramp Bark and has a long place in Western herbalism.

About the plant

Viburnum opulus is native to Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia and is naturalized in North America, recognized for its showy white flower clusters and bright red berries. The bark is harvested, dried, and cut for herbal use, and it has a characteristically astringent, slightly bitter character typical of bark preparations. Its studied compounds include iridoid glycosides, scopoletin, and viopudial. It is distinct from the related species Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium).

Cramp Bark: form & sizes

We carry Cramp Bark as cut dried bark, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Cramp Bark in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Cramp Bark at a glance

Botanical name

Viburnum opulus

Family

Adoxaceae

Native region

Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia

Plant part

bark

Also known as

Guelder Rose, European Cranberry Bush, Snowball Tree

Distinct from

Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)

Form

cut dried bark

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb