Nannyberry

(Viburnum lentago)

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Viburnum lentago, commonly known as Nannyberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the moist woodland edges, stream banks, and swamp borders in the Northeastern U.S. and Southeastern Canada. It typically grows to 9 m (30 ft) tall with a trunk up to 25 cm (10 in) in diameter. The plant has a short trunk and a round-topped head with pendulous, flexible branches. The bark is reddish- to grayish-brown and broken into small scales. Winter buds are light red, covered with pale scurfy down, protected by a pair of opposing scales that enlarge with the growing shoot and often become leaf-like. In the spring, it produces showy clusters of creamy white flowers, followed by bluish-black berries that are attractive to birds and other wildlife.

Nannyberry is valued for its adaptability to a range of soil conditions, its attractive flowers, and its fall color when leaves turn to shades of red and purple. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as a screen or hedge, and in rain gardens due to its tolerance for wet conditions. It prefers full sun to part shade and medium to moist soil with good drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases and viburnum leaf beetle.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
  • Height: 14-16 feet
  • Width: 6-12 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Moist woodland edges, stream banks, and swamp borders in the Northeastern U.S. and Southeastern Canada

Other Names

Common Names: Nanny-Berry, Sheepberry, Black Haw, Sweet Viburnum, Glansolvon

Scientific Names: , Viburnum lentago, Viburnum lentago var. sphaerocarpum, Viburnum lentago f. sphaerocarpum, Viburnum lentaginum, Viburnum ×vetteri, Viburnum lentago var. pyrifolium, Viburnum lentagoides,

GBIF Accepted Name: Viburnum lentago L.