Highbush Cranberry

Scientific name

Viburnum trilobum

Description

Highbush Cranberry is a large deciduous shrub species that typically grows about 3 m in height. The branches on this shrub are dense with arching stems, creating a full form. The leaves are oppositely arranged, Maple leaf shaped, have 3 lobes, and have entire or toothed margins. The flowers are showy, creamy white coloured, appear in flat clusters with larger florets surrounding smaller ones, and bloom between May and June. These flowers change into drooping, bright red berry clusters that persist throughout the winter. While the berries are edible to humans, they are very tart when consumed raw so are typically cooked first. This shrub has very attractive fall foliage, changing a reddish purple colour. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. The fruit is beneficial to wildlife species, including birds and small mammals. The root system is extensive, making this shrub valuable for controlling erosion and stabilizing loose soil. This species can be found across Canada from Newfoundland to British Columbia, but is most commonly found in Ontario and Quebec.

Planting conditions

Highbush Cranberry grows best in moist conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers well-drained, organically rich loam, sand, or clay soil types. It is tolerant to periodically flooded areas. Once plants are established, they can also tolerate occasional drought. This shrub can be naturally found in moist forests, wet meadows, and along river or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 3 m
• Spread:
  • 3 m