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Jessie Keith
Caprifoliaceae
Viburnum opulus var. americanum
American Cranberrybush
American cranberrybush (syn. V. trilobum) is a wonderful large deciduous shrub that develops a pleasing round, mounded habit when mature. A close cousin of the European cranberrybush, it occurs naturally in southern Canada and the northern United States. Its attractive medium green maple-like leaves turn brilliant hues of yellow, red and dark purple in fall. Many flat clusters of white flowers appear in late spring to early summer, followed by berry-like fruits that turn bright red in fall and persist into winter. The fruits make excellent jams and preserves. Numerous cultivars are available including the compact 'Alfredo' and the heavy-fruiting 'Wentworth'.
Although best fruiting occurs in full sun, American cranberrybush can also take part shade. Moist soil with average drainage is ideal. Use it in a shrub border, for screening or hedging, or as a foundation plant. Once established it shows moderate drought tolerance.
7 - 1
2 - 7
A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Shrub
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
6'-15' / 1.8m - 4.6m
6'-12' / 1.8m - 3.7m
Late Spring, Early Summer
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, North-Central United States, Northwestern United States, Canada
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Average
Clay, Loam
Drought
Medium
Average Water
Oval/Rounded
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
White
Red, Crimson
Green
Yellow, Red, Purple
Sandy Brown, Gray
No
Single
Yes
Glossy
Smooth
Edible, Feature Plant, Foundation, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Wildflower
Birds, Butterflies
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