Viburnum trilobum
American Cranberrybush Viburnum, American Cranberrybush
Caprifoliaceae
ExpandHabitat
- native to northeastern and northwestern United States
- hardy to zone 2
Habit and Form
- a deciduous shrub
- dense, rounded crown
- 8' to 12' tall equal spread
- medium texture
- moderate growth rate
Summer Foliage
- opposite leaf arrangement
- simple, deciduous leaves
- 3-lobed leaves
- ovate leaf shape
- 2" to 5" long
- dentate leaf margin
- dark green leaf color
Autumn Foliage
- red to purple fall color
Flowers
- white flowers like V. opulus
- blooms in early June
- flat-topped cyme
- showy
Fruit
- red drupe
- 0.33" long
- matures in September
- edible
- persists
Bark
- gray brown in color
- waxy
Culture
- easily transplanted
- prefers well-drained, moist soil
- sun to partial shade
Landscape Use
- shrub borders
- small flowering tree
- to attract birds and wildlife
- hedges
- background plant
- barrier
- useful for flowers and fruit
Liabilities
- stemblight
- water stress
ID Features
- opposite, lobed leaves
- red fruit
- sticky, greenish-red buds, valvate (like V. opulus)
Propagation
- by cuttings
- by seed
Cultivars/Varieties
'Alfredo' - This is a new variation on the 'Compactum' theme said to grow more densely to form a 6' tall and wide shrub. The red fall color is also reportedly very good.
'Andrews' - This is the least common of the standard cultivars selected for production of superior fruit. It has a more compact, dense habit.
'Bailey Compact' - One of the various dwarf forms that are offered in the trade, this plant also grows to 6' tall with red fall foliage and a satisfactory fruit set.
'Compactum' - Perhaps the most common form of the species, this selection is a handsome compact plant that reaches 6' tall with upright spreading branches. The plant flowers and fruits well, but the fall color can be a poor yellow instead of the brilliant red of other varieties.
'Hahs' - A more dwarf selection, this plant grows to 8' tall and wide. It is most notable for its production of larger fruit that are useful for culinary purposes.
'Wentworth' - A cultivar selection made for its production of quality edible fruit, this plant exhibits good red fall color, as well. Other traits are as per the species.