Species

Viburnum trilobumAmerican Cranberrybush

3 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Wentworth American Cranberrybush

Viburnum trilobum 'Wentworth'

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum opulus var. americanum is a large, hardy shrub native to North America, featuring three-lobed, maple-like leaves, flat-topped clusters of white flowers, and edible red fruit.

The 'Wentworth' cultivar is prized for its exceptionally large, bright red fruits that are more abundant than the species, making it a top choice for ornamental display and for making jams and jellies.

Uses & Benefits:

This is a true four-season shrub, offering showy white lacecap flowers in spring, attractive maple-like foliage in summer, brilliant red-purple fall color, and large, drooping clusters of bright red fruit that persist into winter.

The tart, vitamin C-rich fruit can be harvested to make excellent jams, jellies, and sauces, similar to true cranberries. It can be grown as a tall, informal hedge or screen.

The flowers attract pollinators, and the shrub serves as a larval host for the Spring Azure butterfly. The persistent fruit provides a vital winter food source for birds like cedar waxwings and ruffed grouse.

SpeciesViburnum trilobumAmerican Cranberrybush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144 inches

Width

144 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Fruit is edible when cooked

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun to part shade and average to moist soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Gently tease apart the roots before placing in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water deeply.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

For best fruit set, plant more than one American Cranberrybush cultivar to ensure good cross-pollination.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment.
Prune right after flowering to avoid removing next year's flower buds.
Monitor closely for viburnum leaf beetle and act quickly if found.
Harvest fruit after a light frost to improve its flavor for culinary use.

Don't

Don't confuse it with the European Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus), which is invasive.
Avoid planting in hot, dry sites.
Don't prune in late summer, fall, or winter.
Don't eat the berries raw in large quantities; they are best cooked.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Productive edible hedgeMulti-season interest specimenWildlife and bird garden anchor

Companion Plants

Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima'Cornus sericea Sambucus canadensis Ilex verticillata Physocarpus opulifolius

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Wentworth American Cranberrybush questions

What zones can Wentworth American Cranberrybush grow in?

Wentworth American Cranberrybush is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Wentworth American Cranberrybush deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Wentworth American Cranberrybush, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Wentworth American Cranberrybush bloom?

Wentworth American Cranberrybush typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Wentworth American Cranberrybush need full sun?

Wentworth American Cranberrybush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.