VIBURNUM LENTAGO / NANNYBERRY

VIBURNUM LENTAGO / NANNYBERRY

A Native Shrub with Fragrant Flowers, Edible Berries, and Wildlife Value

Viburnum lentago, commonly known as Nannyberry, is a native deciduous shrub admired for its clusters of creamy white flowers, dark blue edible berries, and attractive fall foliage. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soils, Nannyberry is ideal for naturalized landscapes, wildlife gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Its ornamental blooms, edible fruit, and seasonal color make it a versatile and valuable native shrub.

Why Choose Nannyberry?

Fragrant White Flowers: Clusters of creamy white blooms appear in late spring.
Edible Berries: Dark blue to black berries are edible and provide food for birds and humans.
Wildlife Friendly: Flowers attract pollinators, and berries support birds and small mammals.
Low Maintenance & Hardy: Resilient, long-lived, and adaptable to a variety of soil types.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green leaves turning yellow, orange, or red in fall.
Flower Color: Creamy white flower clusters in late spring.
Fruit: Dark blue to black berries in late summer to fall.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 10–20 feet tall and 6–12 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–7.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 10–20 feet tall, 6–12 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–7.
Flowering/Fruiting: Flowers in late spring; berries in late summer to fall.
Fall Interest: Leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, or red; berries provide winter interest.

Ideal Uses:

Pollinator Gardens: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Wildlife Plantings: Berries provide food for birds and small mammals.
Naturalized Landscapes: Works well along woodland edges, meadows, and native gardens.
Hedges & Screens: Can be used as a dense shrub or small tree for privacy and structure.

Nannyberry is a hardy and ecologically valuable native shrub. Its fragrant flowers, edible berries, and fall color make it an excellent choice for naturalized landscapes, pollinator gardens, and wildlife-friendly plantings.