Viburnum opulus var. americanum, American cranberry bush
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Deciduous Shrubs

Viburnum opulus var. americanum

American cranberry bush

Adoxaceae

North America (Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to Great Lakes and PNW)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m)
Width8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m)
Maturity6 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2 - 7
Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Drought Tolerant
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

Viburnum opulus var. americanum (sometimes classified as Viburnum trilobum) is a deciduous shrub reaching 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m) tall with a spread of 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m), developing a broad, rounded, dense form. Taxonomic treatment varies — some authorities recognize it as a distinct species (V. trilobum), others as a variety of the European V. opulus. Leaves are opposite, simple, 3-lobed (resembling a maple leaf), 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) across, with gland-tipped petioles (glands are stalked, not sessile — this is the primary distinction from European V. opulus, which has sessile glands). Foliage is medium green, turning yellow to reddish-purple in fall — variable but sometimes excellent. Flowers are white, in flat-topped lacecap-type clusters 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across in May to June: a ring of large, showy, sterile florets 0.75 inch (2 cm) across surrounds a center of small, fertile florets. Fruit is a bright red, translucent, round drupe, 0.3-0.4 inch (8-10 mm), in heavy, pendant clusters that persist through winter. Fruit is edible but very tart; used for jellies and preserves when cooked. Unlike European V. opulus fruit, which is unpleasantly bitter and foul-smelling, the American variety has a pleasant, mildly sour flavor. Growth rate is moderate at 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) per year. Native to North America. Less susceptible to viburnum leaf beetle than V. opulus.

Native Range

Native to North America, from Newfoundland west to British Columbia and south to New York, the Great Lakes states, and the Pacific Northwest. Occurs in moist woodland edges, streambanks, and thickets.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, screen, informal hedge, or in wildlife gardens where the four-season interest (flowers, summer foliage, fall color, winter fruit) and bird-attracting fruit can be appreciated, spaced 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) apart. The persistent red fruit is eaten by cedar waxwings, robins, and other birds in late winter. Effective in rain gardens and moist areas. Native plant suitable for ecological restoration and habitat plantings. Compact cultivar 'Alfredo' stays 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m). Select var. americanum specifically to avoid the bitter-fruited European V. opulus.

How to Identify

Identified by opposite, 3-lobed maple-like leaves with stalked (not sessile) petiolar glands, flat-topped lacecap flower clusters with a ring of sterile florets around fertile ones, and bright red translucent fruit in pendant clusters persisting through winter. Distinguished from European V. opulus by stalked (not sessile) petiolar glands and edible (not bitter) fruit. Distinguished from Acer (maple) by opposite simple leaves with lacecap flowers and red fruit (maples have winged samaras).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 12'
Width/Spread8' - 12'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow
red
purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
White lacecap-type flower clusters with showy sterile florets around the edge appear in May to June, lasting 2-3 weeks. Fruit ripens bright red by August to September, in heavy pendant clusters that persist through winter until consumed by birds. The fruit display is often more ornamental than the flowers — the bright red, translucent clusters are spectacular against fall foliage and winter snow.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Medium green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysilt
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants are adaptable to both moist and moderately dry conditions. Plant in full sun to part shade; fruits best in more sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Less susceptible to viburnum leaf beetle than the European V. opulus. Monitor for aphids on new growth. The native provenance makes it well-adapted to Pacific Northwest conditions.

Pruning

Prune after flowering in June to July to preserve fruit display. Thin oldest stems at the base every few years. Remove crossing and dead branches. Can be rejuvenated by cutting to the ground in late winter, sacrificing one season of flowers and fruit. The naturally rounded form requires minimal shaping.

Pruning Schedule

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summer

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Viburnum opulus var. americanum (American cranberry bush) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef