Viburnum lentago
Nannyberry
General
A tall shrub that spreads easily, good for naturalization. The flowers and fruit attract butterflies and birds. The fruit is edible to humans, like most viburnums, and goes best in a jam or jelly.
Plant Description
Tall shrub with arching branches. The flowers are white, and bloom in rounded clusters in the late spring. Leaves are ovate, coarsely serrate, and narrowly pointed, arranged opposite on the plant. Clusters of blue-black berries on bright red new growth form in late summer and early fall. Nannyberry has attractive autumn foliage, usually orange or bright red.
Height (ft)
14-16, up to 30 in very rare cases
Spread (ft)
6-12
Soil moisture
Medium
Soil types
Fine to Medium
Wetland indicator
FAC
Shade tolerance
Tolerant, Full Sun to Full Shade
Bloom color
White
Bloom period
Late Spring
Fall conspicuous
Yes
Anaerobic tolerance
Medium
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
None
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Northern United States from Maine to Montana, along the Canadian border, and extending north into Canada.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the fruit can be eaten raw or dried and eaten. The berries are also used in jams and preservatives. A compound infusion of the leaves has been used to treat measles.