Viburnum, Nannyberry
At a Glance
Latin Name: Viburnum lentago.
Other common names: black haw, sheepberry, sweet viburnum, wild raisin.
Zones: 2-8
Mature Height/spread: 20 ft. a large shrub or small tree that often suckers at the base/10 – 15 ft. spread. Moderate growth rate.
Viburnums are not self-fertile, need 2 or more to bear fruit.
Climate: Grows in both shade and sun.
Soil: Favors rich, moist sites, very adaptable to many sites and hardy as a transplant.
Notes: A versatile native shrub with excellent year-round interest, Nannyberry Viburnum features fragrant showy white flowers in May, followed by burgundy leaf color and dark blue berries in autumn.
This large upright shrub can spread and form colonies, making it a good choice for a tall privacy screen or hedgerow. It can also be maintained as a small tree by pruning stems and removing the suckers at the base.
Adaptable to a wide range of soils, found in low moist woods or near stream banks, but will tolerate drier sites. Very shade tolerant in nature, it grows larger in open sunny areas. Fruit is light in color and turns black in the fall. Fruit is persistent throughout winter and resembles raisins in appearance.
Nannyberry leaves are 2″ to 5″ long and emerge as a light green, mature foliage is a dark glossy green, bloom time is mid to late May showy in full bloom.
Good for difficult sites, hedges, background plant, barrier.
Wildlife: A favorite winter food for ruffed grouse, bobwhite, pheasant, and many others. Host plant for Caterpillars of numerous small moth species, it is considered a top wildlife plant for nesting birds. Other interesting larval hosts include the Pink Prominent, the Hummingbird Clearwing, and the Green Marvel moth.
The edible berries can be used to make jams and jellies.
Viburnums are not self-fertile, and cross pollination from two shrubs is needed for reliable fruit production.
Bare Root Purchase Size: 2-3 ft.
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