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.

Prefers good, well-drained, moist soil and partial shade to full sun.

Native Range: BC east to Newfoundland, south to Washington state and east to northern Virginia.

Native Habitat: cool moist woodlands, streambanks in wooded areas, sandy swamps, soggy thickets, edges of sandy marshes, forested bogs, and roadside ditches

Alternative to the similar European cranberry-bush (Viburnum opulus) which has become an invasive plant in some areas.

Use Wildlife: Songbirds, gamebirds, small mammals. The berries are a winter-survival food because they remain on the branches above the snow.  Attracts: Birds , Butterflies. Larval Host: Spring Azure

size:  2 year, 18-24″ bare root

$15 for 5

_{Photo Credits:} 

1. _{Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org}
2. _{http://www.nwplants.com}