Nannyberry

Scientific name

Viburnum lentago

Description

Nannyberry is a large deciduous shrub species that typically grows about 3 m in height. The leaves are dark green, ovate shaped, oppositely arranged, have a pointed tip, and have finely toothed margins. The flowers are showy, white colored, appear in flat topped clusters, and bloom in May. These flowers produce blueish black berries, which are edible to humans and persist throughout the winter. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species , like bees and butteries. The fruit is beneficial to wildlife species, including birds and small mammals. This shrub has attractive fall foliage. The root system is extensive, making this plant valuable for controlling erosion and stabilizing loose soil. This shrub can be pruned to have a single stem and grown as a small tree instead of a shrub.

Planting conditions

Nannyberry grows best in moist conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers moderately drained loam or clay soil types. It is tolerant of periodically flooded areas. It is tolerant to full shade but will produce more flowers and fruit with increased sun exposure. It has some tolerance to dry sites and drought, but young plants should be watered until established. This shrub can be naturally found in moist forests, roadside ditches, and along river or lake shorelines.

Details

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