Highbush Cranberry

(Viburnum trilobum)

Other Names:
American cranberrybush, cranberry tree, crampbark tree, guelder-rose, wild gueldes-rose, gueldres-rose, cherry-wood, rose elder, red elder, marsh elder, water elder, white elder, gadrise, gaiter tree, gatten, love rose, May rose, pincushion tree, dog rowan tree, whitten tree, squaw bush, witch-hobble, witchhopple

Range:


Family:
Adoxaceae – Moschatel family

Growth Type:
A woody shrub

Height:
Grows up to 15' tall

Leaves:
Opposite leaves consisting of 3 strong, long, pointed lobes which are coarsely toothed, and 2" - 4" long. Leafstalks have tiny dome shaped glands at base of leaf blades.

Stem/Trunk:
Woody trunk

Root:
Not observed

Flower Season:
Flowers blossom from May-July. Fruits ripen in Sep - Oct

Flower Appearance:
Small flower clusters consisting of multiple 5 petaled white flowers

Seed/Fruit:
Fruits ripen in Sep - Oct, and, if the birds do not find them, they will often remain throughout the winter. Fruit is bright red, tart, and juicy

Miscellaneous characteristics:
Although not related to Cranberry (Vaccinium spp.), Highbush Cranberries can be used in the same manner

Habitat:
Cool woods, thickets, shores, rocky slopes

Parts Used:
Fruit

Culinary Uses:
Highbush Cranberry fruit can be eaten fresh, or cooked. Many people find the berries too tart to eat fresh. However, cooking them with some lemon peeland a bit of sugar yields a wonderful stewed fruit. The fruit can also be crushed and mixed with water for a refreshing drink. Excellent in jams and jellies. This fruit is high in vitamin C.

Traditional Medicinal Uses:
The bark of highbush cranberry has been used for relief of menstrual and stomach cramps and asthma.

Medicinal Actions:
Antiasthmatic, Antiscorbutic, Antispasmodic