American Cranberrybush

Viburnum opulus var. americanum

American cranberrybush is widespread in northern forests, wetlands, and thickets of North America. A tough, resilient shrub, it has three-lobed maple-like leaves. Flat clusters of white flowers appear in spring, each cluster containing both fertile and sterile flowers. The larger sterile flowers are entirely surrounded by smaller fertile flowers, a strategy for enticing pollinators. Bright red berries drape the branches in fall, and persist into winter, providing food for birds and mammals [1][5].

Native American and settlers used the berries as a seasonal food source [2]. Tart and sour raw, the berries can be left out after the first frosts, when they soften. The fruits were then cooked and made into sauces, jams, and preserves. Sometimes the berries were dried, or ground into meal and mixed with other foods, such as meats or grains. Their taste and culinary use is similar to true cranberries, but the plants are not related.

American cranberrybush has medicinal properties in common with other viburnums. This includes blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium), another food-bearing shrub with similar looking leaves. The bark was made into a tea that could relieve cramps, muscle tension, and menstrual discomfort [3][4]. It was also used for other gastrointestinal and respiratory issues. Today, herbalists use American cranberrybush less frequently than its medicinal cousins. However, its gentle relaxant and uterine tonic properties continue to be a part of the herbal tradition.

American cranberrybush is useful for restoration and landscaping. It helps to stabilize soils and provides wildlife food and habitat. In the spring, the flowers provide a treat for pollinators. Later in the year, its fruit can nourish wildlife well into winter. It is a native plant with a long association to people, food, and the land.

[1] North Carolina State University Extension. “Viburnum trilobum (Cranberry Viburnum).” https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/viburnum-trilobum/

[2] United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS). “Highbush Cranberry, Viburnum opulus var. americanum (American Cranberrybush).” https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_viopa2.pdf

[3] Natural Medicinal Herbs. “American Cranberry – Viburnum trilobum.” https://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/v/viburnum-trilobum=american-cranberry.php

[4] ScienceDirect Topics. “Viburnum – an Overview | Viburnum opulus (Cramp Bark), Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw).” https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/viburnum

[5] Chicago Botanic Garden. “Viburnum trilobum – American Cranberrybush Viburnum.” https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-collections/plant-finder/viburnum-trilobum-american-cranberrybush