Plant Detail: Viburnum opulus var. americanum

* Common Name:	highbush cranberry, American cranberrybush, cranberry viburnum
* Genus:	*Viburnum*
* Species:	*opulus*
Subspecies:	*var. americanum*
* Family (scientific):	Caprifoliaceae
* Family (common):	Honeysuckle
Synonyms :	Viburnum opulus ssp. trilobum, Viburnum trilobum
* Distribution in Canada:	British Columbia Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario Quebec New Brunswick Nova Scotia P.E.I. Newfoundland

Photographer: I. Dardick © Pathology Images Inc..

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Notice: This species is often confused with others. Only purchase from a specialized, bio-regional native plant nursery.

Habitat

Ecozone(s):

Taiga Shield
Boreal Shield
Atlantic Maritime
Mixedwood Plains
Boreal Plains
Montane Cordillera
Hudson Plains

Natural Habitat(s):

Woodland (35-60% cover)
Wet Meadow/Prairie/Field (less than 25% cover)
Riparian (edge)
Swamp/Marsh (nutrient rich)
Lakeshores

Habitat Garden(s):

Pond Edge/Wetland Garden
Butterfly
Bird
Hedgerow / Thicket / Windbreak / Screening
Woodland

Erosion Control?

Characteristics		Growing Conditions
* Plant Type:	Shrub	Moisture Requirements: Normal, Moist Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Soil Requirements: Sand, Loam Temperature Zone: 2
Evergreen?	No
Average Height:	2 to 4 m
Tolerances:	Drought Tolerant

Flower Info		Fruit/Seed Info
Showy flowers?	Yes	Showy fruit/seeds?	Yes
Bloom time:	May to Jul	Edible for humans?	Yes
Flower Colour(s):	White/Cream	Fruit/Seed Colour(s):	Red, Orange

Miscellaneous		Uses
Fragrant Flowers?	Yes	Urban Oasis, Stewards in the City, and Eco Superior are specific Evergreen programs that some plants are used in.
Fragrant Foliage?	No	Program & Other Uses:	Urban Oasis Stewards in the City Culinary Medicinal Aboriginal
Fall colours?	Yes
Distinctive bark?	No
Poisonous to humans?	No
Thorns or prickles?	No
Attracts wildlife?	Squirrels Birds Butterflies Butterfly Larvae Bees Other Showy Insects
Larval host for:	Spring Azure, Gossamer Wing Butterflies	Provincial tree/flower?
Plant Watch species?	No

The leaves are maple leaf-shaped; the flowers are white flat-topped clusters. The berries are persistent throughout the winter.

This shrub is flood, disease and insect tolerant.
(Wildflower Center, LBJ)

The berries make an excellent winter-survival food because they remain above the snow and are sweeter after freezing. (Kershaw)

A decoction of the branches has been used to treat a fallen womb after birth.
The bark is laxative. An infusion of the roots has been used to make a person vomit in the treatment of bad blood and fevers. An infusion of the inner bark has been used to treat stomach cramps[Moerman. D.].

Seeds can be sown in a cold frame in the fall, or greewood cuttings can be used for propagation.

May be confused with Viburnum opulus. Viburnum trilobum leaves have shallower sinuses, blunter lobes than V. opulus. V. trilobum retain fruits over winter.

USDA PLANTS Database

NatureServe

Native American Ethnobotany Da

David Suzuki Foundation

Wild Flower Centre

Trees of Ontario
Linda Kershaw
Lone Pine Publishing
2001
ISBN 1-55105-274-1

Shrubs of Ontario
Soper, J.H. and M.L. Heimburger
ROM
1982
ISBN 0-88854-283-6

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