Prairie Moon Nursery
American Cranberrybush
Best native plant for attracting wildlife to your garden.
The American Cranberrybush, also known as Highbush Cranberry or Viburnum opulus var. americanum, is a native plant offering year-round appeal. It features white, lace-cap hydrangea-like flowers in spring, dense foliage for wildlife habitat in summer, and tart red berries in autumn before its leaves turn shades of yellow to purple-red. The fruit is edible and best suited for preserves or sauces, serving as a vital winter food source for various birds. This shrub is a host plant for the Hummingbird Clearwing moth and is known for its deer resistance.
$3.50
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 6505
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-67%
Below average
Life Cycle
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Gardeners passionate about supporting wildlife and native habitats
- Homeowners seeking continuous aesthetic appeal and seasonal garden changes
- Busy individuals desiring a robust, self-sufficient, and beautiful landscape plant
Who should skip it
- Urban dwellers or those with small yards and limited planting areas
- Foragers expecting readily edible fresh fruit from their garden
- Gardeners preferring pest-free plants or new to plant care
Performance breakdown
Wildlife Support
A powerhouse for local birds and the Hummingbird Clearwing moth.
Seasonal Versatility
Provides year-round visual interest from spring blooms to autumn berries.
Deer Resistance
Reliably stands up to browsing pressure in most garden settings.
Culinary Utility
Tart berries are perfect for preserves but require processing before eating.
Site Adaptability
Thrives across a wide range of moisture levels and sun exposures.
Growth Potential
Reaches a substantial twelve-foot height, requiring ample space to mature.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Perennial
Sun Exposure
Full, Partial
Soil Moisture
Wet, Medium-Wet, Medium
Height
up to 12 feet
Bloom Time
May, June
Bloom Color
White
USDA Zones
3-6
Edible
Yes
Features
- Attractive Native Plant
- Edible Fruit for Preserves
- Provides Winter Food for Birds
- Host Plant for Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
- Deer Resistant
- All-Season Appeal
What customers say
Customers consistently express high satisfaction with the American Cranberrybush, frequently commending the exceptional quality of the plants received. Reviewers often note the robust health and careful packaging upon arrival, which contributes significantly to successful establishment. The plant's reliability in thriving and growing vigorously in various garden settings is a recurring positive theme. Many appreciate how well these plants adapt and flourish, providing beautiful foliage and berries as expected. This consistent performance underscores a strong sense of trust in the nursery's offerings.
Know before you buy
No, this shrub is not recommended for containers. It grows up to 12 feet tall and requires the space and soil stability of an in-ground planting to thrive.
While the berries are edible, they are quite tart and are generally considered best suited for cooking into preserves, jellies, or sauces rather than eating fresh off the bush.
The American Cranberrybush is known for its deer resistance, making it a reliable choice for landscapes where deer pressure is a concern. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, it is rarely a preferred snack for them.
This shrub is quite versatile and performs well in a range of moisture levels, from medium to wet soils. It is an excellent choice for areas of your garden that tend to stay a bit damp.
It serves as a vital food source for birds during the winter months and acts as a host plant for the Hummingbird Clearwing moth. Its dense foliage also provides essential nesting habitat for birds throughout the summer.
The American Cranberrybush is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 6. It is best suited for cooler northern climates and may struggle in regions with consistently high heat.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$4