Plant Details

Viburnum trilobum

Highbush cranberry

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Viburnum trilobum.

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Common names

6 names · 4 languages
EnglishYour language
  • American Guelder-rose[1]
  • Highbush cranberry
Other languages (3)
Dutch
  • Amerikaanse Cranberry
  • Amerikaanse sneeuwbal
French
  • Viorne trilobée
Language not specified
  • American Cranberrybush[1]
Sources & name notes (1)

Names recorded in our plant catalogue and botanical sources, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

Numbered references identify names recorded by an external source. Other names are from our plant catalogue.

[1] Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20 — Viburnum trilobum Marshall ↗

Common names from World Plants, version 26.05, reproduced in Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20. License: CC BY.

Source records
  • American Cranberrybush — VernacularName.tsv, line 152530; taxon B4SDW.
  • American Guelder-rose (EN) — VernacularName.tsv, line 152531; taxon B4SDW.

General information

Scientific name: Viburnum trilobum
Accepted name (Kew): Viburnum trilobum Marshall View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited Kew taxonomic treatment.

Sources [1] [2]
Botanical family: Viburnaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Viburnum (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Highbush cranberry
Images: Google Images

Plant characteristics

Layer: Fruit tree, Shrub
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 2.44–3.66 m

NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.

Sources [3]
Spread: 2.44–3.66 m

NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.

Sources [3]
Growth rate: Moderate
Sources [3]
Foliage: Deciduous
Sources [3]
Growth habit: Arching, Erect, Spreading

Whole-plant habit and form as described by NC State.

Sources [3]

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

USDA zones listed by NC State; winter survival does not establish reliable cropping.

Sources [3]
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Moist

Moisture and drainage conditions listed by NC State.

Sources [3]
Soil:
Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand
Sources [3]
pH:
Acid (<6.0)
Sources [3]
Light:
Full sun, Partial Shade
Sources [3]

Uses

Edible parts:
Fruit
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(1)
Functions:
Bee forage

Description

The fruit can be eaten raw but is also suitable for cooking. The flesh is juicy with a sour taste that comes into its own best after frost. The fruits are a good source of vitamin C and can serve as a tasty alternative to cranberries. They are often used in jams, preserves, and other dishes. Jam made from these fruits has a pleasant taste and pairs well with dishes such as porridge. The fruits have a diameter of about 8 mm and contain a large seed.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 15/09
Harvest ends: 31/10

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical familyTaxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 187028; name ID 2456153; Viburnum L.. Family column.
    • Taxonomy: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 187757; name ID 2458670; Viburnum trilobum Marshall.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. Catalogue of Life Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20 — Viburnum trilobum

    Taxonomic data from World Plants, version 26.05, reproduced in Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20.

    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: COL 2026-08-20, NameUsage.tsv line 4150219, ID B4SDW: Viburnum trilobum Marshall (accepted).

    Source checked on .

  3. NC State Extension, North Carolina State University Viburnum trilobum — Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
    Supports: HeightSpreadGrowth rateFoliageGrowth habitLightSoil moistureSoil textureSoil pHUSDA hardiness
    Relevant sections
    • Height: Dimensions > Height; Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
    • Spread: Dimensions > Width; Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
    • Growth rate: Growth Rate
    • Foliage: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
    • Growth habit: Habit/Form
    • Light: Light
    • Soil moisture: Soil Drainage
    • Soil texture: Soil Texture
    • Soil pH: Soil pH
    • USDA hardiness: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

    Source checked on .