American Cranberrybush

American Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum L. Ait)

There are several cranberry bushes throughout the walk. One of them is found in this area and another midway up the mowed path on the streamside of the trail. It is one of the shrubs that has found its way into the old field and is moving the field forward in sucession. It prefers cool moist woods and rocky slopes. It enjoys full sun and is partially shade tolerant. It grows best in well-draining, moist soil that is rich and loamy but is successful in most soil types.

Key identifying factors:

-Large erect shrub 3-10' high.

- Late spring white flowers occur in lacecap clusters, wide and showy white flowers 1/2- 1" wide.

- Late summer early fall bring red, acidic fruit is in place of the flowers.

- Leaves look similar to maple leaves. They have 3 rather deep lobes and are coarsely toothed.

Many birds enjoy the fruit of this shrub throughout the late summer into the winter, as the fruit stays on the bush.

I chose this plant because it is another wild edible! The fruit, although not related to the cranberry that we know, which is in the heath family, is very similar in tartness to the cranberry. It is like biting into cranberry juice with a seed. The fruit has been used to make preserves and is a fun trail snack!