Viburnum

(Caprifoliaceae - honeysuckle family)

About 225 species of shrubs or sometimes small trees. Native to N and S America, Europe, and Asia. They are very popular as garden subjects; many of the species are cultivated as ornamentals. A few species produce edible fruit, and a number of species have value as food sources for birds and other wildlife. Those listed here are tolerant of wet soil and partial shade, and are useful as specimens or for informal hedge or screen plantings. The fruit of all of the species listed here is eaten by birds. For fruit production, it is best to set out two or more plants of a species. All of the species listed are quite shade tolerant, but where fruit production is desired they should have plenty of sun.

acerifolium

decid shr • ht 4-6' • zones 3-8

maple-leaved viburnum

native, hedge - screen, wildlife, sun - shade
e N Amer

A rounded shrub with maple-like leaves. Bears clusters of small white flowers in late spring, followed by purple-black berries. The distinctive purple-red to lavender autumn foliage color is quite handsome. May prefer a bit of shade.

cat # 6M5A
$13.95 each / 3+, $13.50 ea

cassinoides

decid shr • ht 5-10' • zones 3-8

withe-rod viburnum

native, edible fruit, hedge - screen, wildlife, moist - wet, sun - shade
Nfld to NC and MN

A broadly rounded shrub, bearing clusters of small white flowers in late spring or early summer. The bluish-black berries, which ripen in late summer or early fall, are sweet and edible. They are also eaten by birds and other wildlife. For fruit production 2 or more should be planted.

cat # 6M5G
$12.95 each / 3-9, $12.50 ea / 10+, $11.95 ea

dentatum

decid shr • ht 10-15' • zones 3-8

northern arrow-wood

Viburnum dentatum

native, hedge - screen, wildlife, sun - shade
N Brunswick and Ontario to SC and Mich

An upright shrub with glossy, coarsely toothed leaves. Bears clusters of small white flowers in late spring or early summer. The bluish black fruits, which ripen in late summer and fall, are eaten by birds and other wildlife. Tolerant of slow drainage.

cat # 6M6N
$12.95 each / 3+, $12.50 ea

lentago

decid shr or tree • ht 20-30' • zones 2-8

nannyberry; sheepberry; wild raisin

native, edible fruit, hedge - screen, wildlife, sun - shade
e and cent N Amer

Upright, attractively foliaged. Bears clusters of small white flowers in late spring, followed by sweet, edible, bluish-black berries. Sends up suckers from the root system, and will slowly form a colony with well-spaced stems if allowed to. Long-lived and stable, requiring little maintenance. Prefers moist, rich soil, but is quite adaptable. Tolerant of slow drainage. For fruit production, two or more should be planted.

cat # 6M6B
$12.95 each / 3+, $12.50 ea

prunifolium

decid shr or tr • ht 12-18' • zones 3-8

black haw

native, edible fruit, hedge - screen, wildlife, dry - moist, sun - part shade
e and cent US

This large shrub or small tree with stiffly horizontal branches is highly regarded as a landscape subject. Foliage is dark green, clean, neat, becoming red in fall. Small white flowers appear in spring in clusters to 4" across, followed by edible bluish black fruit in fall. The fruits, which may persist well into the winter, are appreciated by birds and other animals. Adaptable, takes well to cultivation, and does well in dry soil.

4¼" pot, 8-12" tall, cat # 6M6M1 $12.95 each / 3+, $12.50 ea.
frac12;gal., 12-24" tall, cat # 6M6M2 $19.95 each.

trilobum

decid shr • ht 10-15' • zones 2-7

highbush cranberry

native, edible fruit, hedge - screen, wildlife, sun - part shade
n N Amer

This upright shrub with maple-like leaves bears showy clusters of white flowers in late spring, followed by bright red berries in fall. The berries, which often persist through much of the winter, are edible (with the seeds removed, they can be used like commercial bog cranberries). In winter, the berries are eaten by birds. At least two should be planted for fruit production.

4¼" pot, 8-12" tall, cat # 6M6T1 $12.95 each / 3+, $12.50 ea.
frac12;gal., 12-24" tall, cat # 6M6T2 $19.95 each.