Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Viburnum opulus var. americanum Ait.
American cranberrybush, American cranberrybush viburnum, Highbush-cranberry
Synonyms: Viburnum trilobum
USDA Symbol: VIOPA2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Highbush-cranberry is a 6-12 ft. shrub which can reach 16 ft. Dense upright or arching branches create a round outline. Maple-like, deciduous foliage is colorful in fall. White, flat-topped clusters of flowers are followed by persistent red berries.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Leaf Color: Green
Fruit Color: Red, Orange
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: CT , ID , IL , IN , IA , KY , ME , MA , MI , MN , MO , MT , NE , NH , NJ , NY , ND , OH , PA , RI , SD , VT , WA , WV , WI , WY
Canada: AB ,
BC ,
MB ,
NB ,
NS ,
PE ,
QC ,
SK Native Distribution: Nf. to B.C., s. to NJ, n. IN, n. IL, Black Hills, WY & WA
Native Habitat: Cool woods; thickets; rocky shores; slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Wet to average, well-drained loams.
Conditions Comments: Flood, disease and insect tolerant. Transplants easily. Edible berries.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Songbirds, gamebirds, small mammals.
Use Food: The berries make an excellent winter-survival food because they remain above the snow and are sweeter after freezing. (Kershaw)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Spring Azure
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Viburnum opulus var. americanum is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Propagation
Seed Collection: Collect the
fruit as soon as it has turned a dark blue-black color. Store seeds with pulp on at 41 degrees.
Seed Treatment: If seeds must be stored, they will need a period of stratification.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:
Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff
Go back