American Cranberrybush
Viburnum opulus var. americanum
Zones 2–7
Growing
This versatile shrub thrives in a variety of moisture conditions, making it an excellent choice for the edges of farm ponds or in areas with imperfectly drained soil. While it can tolerate damp environments, avoid planting it in droughty spots, as it prefers consistent moisture. For the best ornamental and fruit-bearing results, ensure your planting site is reasonably fertile.
If you are looking to create a natural wildlife border or a screen, you can plant these in staggered rows between open fields and woodland edges. When using them as a hedge, you can plant them in a single row for a narrower screen or in two staggered rows for a denser barrier. Because this is a slow-growing woody shrub, keep in mind that it may take five to ten years to reach its full-grown stature.
The bright red fruit provides significant ornamental value to your landscape, especially when grouped with other low-growing shrubs or placed near water features. Fortunately, you won't have to worry about serious pests, allowing the plant to focus its energy on developing its lush foliage and vibrant berries.
| Sun | full sun |
|---|---|
| Water | medium |
| Grow time | >150 days |
| Height | 3–6ft |
| Spacing | >24in |
| Full sun | ✓ |
|---|---|
| Part shade | ✓ |
| Shade | ✓ |
| Life cycle | perennial |
|---|---|
| Category | berry |
| Growth habit | shrub |
| Season | cool |
| Frost tolerance | hardy |
| Height | 3–6ft |
| Spacing | over 24in |
| Days to maturity | over 150 |
| Days to bloom | over 150 |
| Native us | ✓ |
| Water | medium |
|---|---|
| Drainage | wet tolerant |
| Soil ph min | 5.5 |
| Soil ph max | 7.5 |
| Propagation | |
| Seed | ✓ |
| Cutting | ✓ |
| Division | ✓ |
| Graft | ✗ |
| Tuber bulb crown | ✗ |
| Transplant | ✓ |
| Container ok | ✓ |
| Pollination | self fertile |
| Pollinator friendly | ✓ |
| Toxic parts | |
| Leaves | ✗ |
| Seeds | ✗ |
| Raw | ✗ |
| Spread | self seeds |
| Deer resistant | ✗ |
| Drought tolerant | ✗ |
| Toxic to | |
| People | — |
| Pets | — |
| Livestock | — |
| Wash before storing | ✗ |
|---|---|
| Ripens off plant | — |
| Curing days | none |
| Shelf life | under 3d |
| Storage methods | |
| Room temp | ✗ |
| Cool dark | — |
| Fridge | ✓ |
| Freeze | ✓ |
| Can | ✓ |
| Dry | ✓ |
| Ferment pickle | ✓ |
| Blanch before freezing | — |
| Length | under 2wk |
|---|---|
| Colors | |
| White | ✓ |
| Yellow | ✗ |
| Orange | ✗ |
| Red | ✗ |
| Pink | ✗ |
| Purple | ✗ |
| Blue | ✗ |
| Green | ✗ |
| Fragrant | ✗ |
| Reblooms | ✗ |
| Deadhead | ✗ |
| Cut flower | ✗ |
| Dried flower | ✗ |
| Status | none |
|---|---|
| Regions | |
| Northeast | ✗ |
| Southeast | ✗ |
| Midwest | ✗ |
| Plains | ✗ |
| Southwest | ✗ |
| Mountain west | ✗ |
| Pacific northwest | ✗ |
| California | ✗ |
| Hawaii | ✗ |
| State noxious | ✗ |
| Escapes cultivation | ✗ |
| Visitors | |
|---|---|
| Honey bees | ✓ |
| Native bees | ✓ |
| Bumblebees | ✓ |
| Butterflies | ✓ |
| Moths | ✓ |
| Hummingbirds | ✗ |
| Beneficial insects | ✓ |
| Nectar | medium |
| Pollen | medium |
| Larval host | ✓ |
| Specialist bees | ✗ |
| Seed for birds | ✗ |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Harvest | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |