Highbush cranberry, Cranberry Viburnum, American Cranberry bush
Viburnum trilobum
Family: Adoxaceae
What it is like
A shrub. The leaves are 5-11 cm long and almost as wide. They have 3 lobes. They are maple like. The edges are smooth or have sparse teeth. The leaf stalks are 2-4 cm long and have a groove. There are several small club shaped glands where the stalk meets the leaf blade. The flowers are in flat topped clusters. These are at the ends of branches. They can be 10 cm across. The outer flowers are larger, white and sterile. The inner flowers are small and fertile. The fruit is bright red or orange. They are 8-10 mm across. They are edible.
The fruit is rich in Vit C. There are about 150 Viburnum species. Also put in the family Caprifoliaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. They prefer well drained soil. They are shade tolerant. Melbourne Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 2-8.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The fruit are used in stews and for drinks. They can be used as a substitute for cranberries. They can be used in sauce, drinks, jams, jellies and wine. The flowers can be added to pancakes and fritters.
Edible parts
Fruit, flowers
How it is grown
The plant can be grown from cuttings. They can also be grown from seeds.