highbush cranberry

Viburnum opulus var. americanum

closeup image of highbush cranberry berries
Bright red berries on branches with dark green leaves. These are highbush cranberries and it is October in Wisconsin.

Description:

The highbush cranberry is not a cranberry though its fruit looks and tastes like cranberries. It is part of the honeysuckle family, whereas the true (or low bush) cranberry is a member of the heather family.

Highbush cranberry grows in hardiness zones 2-7, is 8-15 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. It tolerates frost and likes sun or semi-shade. This bush is successful in most soil types but does best in well-drained, moist soil that is rich and contains loam.

Use and Management:

This bush is a magnet for wildlife. It provides food for deer and birds. It can be used as a hedge by spacing plants 2-3 feet apart.

Additional Information:

highbush cranberry

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[wip_morph_standard_vw filter="attr::emd_usda_symbol::is::VIOPA2;"]
[wip_require_standard_vw filter="attr::emd_usda_symbol::is::VIOPA2;"]
[wip_repro_standard_vw filter="attr::emd_usda_symbol::is::VIOPA2;"]
[wip_use_standard_vw filter="attr::emd_usda_symbol::is::VIOPA2;"]

References:

USDA Plants Database
Wisconsin Virtual Flora Database 
Maine Cooperative Extension
Native Plant Network Propagation Protocol Database
USFS Fire Effects Information System Database