Moschatel family, Adoxaceae
Origin: Europe, therefore native in the Czech Republic, Caucasus, western Siberia, central Asia, north-western Africa
Habitat in the original area: shrubs on the banks of streams and rivers, floodplains and moist deciduous forests
Habitus: This deciduous woody plant grows as a shrub to the height up to 5 metres. It has long thin branches that branch in a forked manner.
Leaf: The leaves are most often divided into three lobes, the edge of which is irregularly serrated. The upper side of the leaves is dark green, the lower side is lighter and with fine trichomes. In autumn, the leaves turn red.
Bloom, fruit: White inflorescences of a conical shape are flat on top and smelly. The outer sterile flowers are noticeably larger than the inner ones. It blooms from May to June. The fruits are spherical drupes which are green and turn red when ripe. Inside they hide a flat seed. They have an unpleasant smell and are poisonous.
Interesting fact: Extracts are obtained from the bark to treat cramps and menstrual pain. The yellowish wood smells when freshly cut.
