American Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum)

Also called Viburnum opulus var. americanum, Highbush Cranberry

This is not a true cranberry or low bush cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon, in the Heath family), this American cranberry bush is one of the showiest of our native Viburnums.  The American cranberry bush produces an edible fruit that is somewhat similar in taste, color and ripening time to cranberries, thus its confusing name.  This shrub grows 8′-12′ high with an equal spread.  Showy, snow-white, lace-cap type flowers, are fragrant and bloom in mid to late May. Beginning in September, bright red fruits serve as food for birds and wildlife.  Fall foliage color may be yellow, red, orange or burgundy is just one of the many attributes of this large and attractive native shrub. 18-24″ bare root seedlings

Prefers good, well-drained, moist soil and partial shade to full sun. Photo Credit: Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org