Image of Viburnum opulus var. americanum
Source: Gilles Ayotte
Viburnum opulus var. americanum

Plant Names

image of Arbuste
Viburnum opulus var. americanum
Highbush Cranberry
Viorne trilobée

Plant Characteristics

Couleur de floraison: Blanc Bloom Period: May - Jun
Hauteur max: 12,0 feet
Max Width: 12,0 feet
Light Condition:
Full sun Plus de 6 heures d'ensoleillement par jour
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Vivace des plantes qui reviennent année après année
Gardener Experience:
beginner friendly Suitable for beginner gardeners
Landscape Uses: No landscape information available.
Ecological Benefits:
Bird friendly Supports birds
keystones species Keystone species
Tolerates:
Special Features and Considerations:

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
Nous acceptions les semences de cette plante

Faits intéressants

Highbush Cranberry is known for its showy white spring blossoms, brilliant clusters of translucent red berries, and bold fall colour. Its maple‑like leaves, lacecap flower clusters, and glowing fruit give it four‑season ornamental value. Flowering occurs in late spring, followed by bright red berries that mature in late summer and often persist into winter. The foliage turns vivid red, orange, or burgundy in fall. It forms modest clumps over time, but remains manageable in most garden settings. Regular moisture during establishment supports strong growth, and plants in sunnier sites tend to produce heavier fruit displays. It works beautifully as a specimen shrub or in naturalized groupings. If fruit production is low, ensure adequate sunlight and soil moisture.

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Oui

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Viburnum opulus var. americanum
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Maritime de l'Atlantique
  • Plaines boréales
  • Cordillière montagnarde
  • Prairies
  • Bouclier boréal
  • Maritime du Pacifique
  • Plaines à forêts mixtes

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Viburnum opulus var. americanum

No butterfly data available for this plant.

Specialized Bees Supported by Viburnum opulus var. americanum

No bee data available for this plant.

Complementary Plants

  • No complementary plants found.

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Rhamnus cathartica (Common Buckthorn)
  • Rhamnus frangula (Glossy Buckthorn)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: None
  • Sow anytime
  • Stratification duration: 2 years
  • Double dormancy required

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: September
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Berries are ripen and easily fall off or have fallen off
  • Harvesting:
    • Put berries through strainer to separate seeds, then rinse with water
  • Seed viability test:
    • Pas de test requis avant le don
  • Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/8 teaspoon
  • Seed storage:
    • Sécher à l'air dans un sac en papier ou contenant ouvert, pour quelques jours jusqu'à sec
    • Secouer de temps à autre pour prévenir la moisissure
  • Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • Remove non-seed material
  • No harvesting video available at this time.