American Cranberry Bush

American Cranberry Bush

Viburnum opulus var. americanum (Formerly Viburnum triloba)

Other names: Highbush-cranberry or Cranberry Viburnum

Bloom Time: May

Height: 6 - 12 feet

Spread: 8 - 12 feet

Habitat: Moist woodlands, slopes, and stream banks

Wildlife Value: Flowers attract butterflies and the plant is a larval host for the Spring Azure caterpillars. The berries are an excellent winter-survival food for birds as the shrubs height reaches above the snow. Its berries also get sweeter after freezing. Established shrubs provide cover for small animals and nesting sites for birds.

Home Garden: Wonderful spring and fall interest with white blooms, red fall berries, and gorgeous fall colors. It’s a great winter hardy shrub for hedges or screens in full sun to partial shade areas of garden.

Fun Facts: Listed as threatened in Ohio and endangered in Indiana by each state’s protected status. It is unrelated to true cranberry that is grown commercially for food.