Nannyberry
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 …
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.