Nannyberry

Viburnum lentago

Nannyberry viburnum is a versatile native shrub, offering year-round interest in the landscape, from the showy white flowers in May to the burgundy autumn leaf color and dark blue berries. A large upright shrub …

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SKU
99750-GL
Cultural Details
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil Moisture Medium, Moist
Sun Exposure Full Sun, Partial
Height 15' - 20'
Bloom Color White
Bloom Time May
Spacing 10' - 15'
Hardiness Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Root Type Rhizome
Benefits Birds, Pollinators, Host Plant

A versatile native shrub with excellent year-round interest, Nannyberry Viburnum features showy white flowers in May and burgundy leaf color in autumn with dark blue berries. A large upright shrub, it spreads by roots to form colonies and makes an excellent privacy screen or hedgerow. It can be maintained as a small tree by pruning stems and removing the suckers at the base. Adaptable to a wide range of soils, this native viburnum is 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.

The caterpillars of numerous small moth species are known to host on Viburnum lentago, which is one reason 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.

Viburnumns tend to flower profusely whether or not pollination occurs. However, poor fruiting will happen if there is only one Viburnum available. The edible berries can be used to make jams and jellies.

Planting and Cultivation Notes
The "perfect" flowers - having both male and female parts - are self-infertile and cross pollination is needed for reliable fruit production. Two or three shrubs are recommended for ample fruiting.