American Cranberry Bush (Viburnum opulus)

American Cranberry Bush

Also known as: American Guelder-Rose, Black Haw, Common Guelder-Rose, Common Snowball, Cranberry bush viburnum, European cranberrybush, Cramp bark, Water elder

The guelder-rose (*Viburnum opulus*) is a large deciduous shrub famous for its bushy appearance, snowball-shaped flowers, and clusters of bright red berries. Its fruits are very acidic, so they are usually relegated to jams. Due to the low toxicity of the fruit, large amounts of consumption may cause discomfort. The guelder-rose is one of american Cranberry Bush's national symbols and the main theme of the famous Russian song "Kalinka".

Scientific classification

Species

American Cranberry Bush (Viburnum opulus)

Honeysuckles, moschatels and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

1.5 m to 4 m

Plant Height

2.5 m to 4.5 m

Spread

Green, Red, Yellow

Leaf Color

1.3 cm to 2.5 cm

Flower Size

Red

Fruit Color

White, Yellow

Flower Color

Green, White, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Images of American Cranberry Bush

Attributes of American Cranberry Bush

Growth Rate

The slow growth rate of american Cranberry Bush during spring and summer is characterized by gradual leaf production and height increase, preventing resource exhaustion. Optimal growth manifests in denser foliage and occasional flowering, concomitant with energy conservation. Past summertime, american Cranberry Bush tends to slow its growth further.

Distribution of American Cranberry Bush

Distribution Map

The american Cranberry Bush originated in Central Asia, North America, and Europe, growing in sunny meadows, along forest edges, and among thin undergrowth with dappled sunlight. In the United States, it is a popular garden plant but it is considered an invasive species in a few states.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Hedges, Scrub, Woodland, Damp soils

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

American Cranberry Bush is an interesting shrub that is popular with gardeners due to its vigor, hardiness, and tolerance to most soil conditions. It is a major attractor of bees, butterflies, and birds. This plant is suited to shrub borders and woodland gardens. It goes well with foxglove, hawthorn, and filbert in informal and cottage gardens.

Symbolism

Love, Psychic Powers, Healing, Holiness, Cultural roots, The beauty of a young woman

Interesting Facts

The berry of american Cranberry Bush has an important cultural significance in Ukrainian and Russian folklore. In Russia, where it's considered one of the national symbols, it is called 'kalina' which was derived from the word 'raskalyat', meaning "to make red-hot". Along with other berries, american Cranberry Bush symbolizes love, passion, and love separation.

Name Story

Guelder-rose: The common name "guelder-rose" is related to the Dutch province of Gelderland, where a popular cultivar, the snowball tree is supposedly originated.

European cranberrybush: This plant is well-known for its beautiful flowers and many people who have seen the ballflower-like flowers may not have noticed its fruits. Its fruits are fiery red-colored like mini grapes handing on branches. As it looks particularly like cranberries and it is native to Europe, it is called European cranberrybush.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of American Cranberry Bush, including the following common varieties :

Guelder-rose 'Compactum'Guelder-rose 'Notcutt's Variety'Guelder rose roseum Guelder-rose 'Xanthocarpum'

Toxicity

American Cranberry Bush has mildly toxic berries and leaves, causing symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting if ingested by children, cognitively impaired people, cats, or dogs. It is vital to keep these parts away from cats and dogs as immediate veterinary care is needed if symptoms of discomfort or distress present after ingestion. Dogs may also experience lethargy. Immediate veterinary care is essential. Keep this plant away from children and individuals with cognitive impairments to minimize risks.

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Quickly Identify American Cranberry Bush

Snowball-like flower clusters transitioning from white to blush pink.

Bright red drupes resembling cranberries but unrelated, persisting post-frost.

Glossy dark green, three-lobed leaves with serrated margins and yellow to red-purple autumn color.

Brown twigs with white lenticels, 0.1-0.3 inches (2.5-7.5 mm) in diameter.

Robust trunk with gray-brown waxy bark that peels, revealing fissures and furrows.

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Care Guide for American Cranberry Bush

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: American Cranberry Bush thrives in moisture-rich environments, balancing hydration and drought resilience. It prefers consistent moisture, ideally watered every 1-2 weeks. In outdoor settings, it benefits from rainwater. Adequate water is crucial during the growing season for leaf development and overall health.

Fertilize: Fertilization is essential for american Cranberry Bush, fostering growth and fruiting. Apply balanced fertilizers in early spring and follow guidelines to prevent overfertilization. Adjust amounts during growth stages and water thoroughly afterward to enhance nutrient absorption, ensuring american Cranberry Bush thrives.

Pruning: American Cranberry Bush features attractive white flowers and red berries. Early spring pruning is essential for removing damaged branches, enhancing air circulation, and shaping the plant. Pruning before new growth minimizes stress, fosters blooming, and aids in size management. Always utilize clean, sharp tools to prevent disease.

Propagation: American Cranberry Bush is propagated using softwood cuttings from new growth, taken in the morning for best water content. Use sharp tools and ensure cuttings have several leaf nodes. Dip cut ends in rooting hormone, then plant in a well-aerated medium under high humidity and indirect light.

Repotting: Repot the bushy 'american Cranberry Bush' every 2-3 years in spring, using a container 2-3 inches wider. Post-repotting, ensure bright, indirect light and consistent moisture to support growth. These practices promote a healthy 'american Cranberry Bush' with minimal care requirements.

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Images of American Cranberry Bush

Attributes of American Cranberry Bush

Distribution of American Cranberry Bush

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify American Cranberry Bush

Care Guide for American Cranberry Bush

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