Species PlantsAmerican Highbush Cranberry

American Highbush Cranberry

Viburnum opulus var. americanum

CommonPlant
Illustration of American Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum opulus var. americanum)

American Highbush Cranberry is a native viburnum of moist, rich forests and wetland edges whose large clusters of tart, translucent red berries persist through winter on bare branches. It is an exceptionally valuable wildlife plant—bohemian waxwings, cedar waxwings, and ruffed grouse consume enormous quantities of berries during winter. The berries are edible when cooked.

Habitat
Moist forests and wetland edges across northern North America
Diet
Berries are critical winter food for cedar and bohemian waxwings and grouse
How common
Common

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