American Cranberry Bush

(Viburnum trilobum)

American Cranberry Bush (Viburnum trilobum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Viburnum trilobum, commonly known as American Cranberry Bush, is a deciduous shrub native to swampy woods, lake margins, and moist lowlands of northeastern and north-central parts of the United States and Canada. It typically grows to 4 meters (13 feet) tall with a similar spread, featuring a rounded form. The leaves are maple-like, and the plant is particularly noted for its white flowers and red fruit. The flowers, appearing in late spring, are white with a diameter of 2–2.5 cm (3⁄4–1 inch) and have conspicuous petals surrounding a center of small (5 mm, 0.20 inch), fertile flowers that are insect-pollinated. The oblong red drupe fruits are 15 mm (0.59 inch) long and 12 mm (0.47 inch) broad, each containing a single flat, white seed. Fruiting typically begins at approximately five years of age.

The American Cranberry Bush is valued for its edible fruit, which resembles cranberries and can be used in jellies and preserves. Its dense foliage and attractive flowers and fruit make it popular for use in borders, hedges, and as a specimen in residential landscapes. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. While adaptable to various soil conditions, it benefits from mulch to retain soil moisture. The plant is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. It is also important to note that while the fruit is attractive, it can be mildly toxic if consumed in large quantities.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 8-12 feet
  • Width: 8-12 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

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

Natural Habitat

Swampy woods, lake margins, and moist lowlands

Other Names

Common Names: Highbush Cranberry, Cranberrybush, American Cranberrybush Viburnum, Highbush Cranberry, American Bush Cranberry, Cranberry Viburnum, Pimbina, Viorne Pimbina, Viorne Trilobée, Amerikanskt Olvon, American Cranberrybush

Scientific Names: , Viburnum trilobum, Viburnum opulus var. americanum, Viburnum opulus subsp. americanum, Viburnum opulus var. trilobum, Viburnum opulus subsp. trilobum,

GBIF Accepted Name: Viburnum opulus var. americanum (Mill.) Aiton