Nannyberry(Viburnum lentago)
Other Names:
Sheepberry, sweet viburnum, wild raisin
Range:
Family:
Adoxaceae - Moschatel Family
Growth Type:
A large deciduous shrub or small tree with a short trunk, round-topped head, pendulous, flexible branches.
Height:
Up to 30 feet tall
Leaves:
The oval leaves can be wedge-shaped or rounded on the bottom and are arranged in opposite pairs on the twigs. They are 2 to 4 inches long and 3⁄4 to 2 inches wide. The leaves are pointed at the tip and have a finely serrated margin. The edges of the petiole are wavy. The leaves open from a beak-shaped, shiny, bronze-colored, downy bud often called a dragon's beak. The leaves are bright green and shining on top and pale green with black dots below. They turn a deep red, or red and orange in autumn.
Stem/Trunk:
The trunk can grow up to 10 inches in diameter. The bark is reddish- to grayish-brown, and broken into small scales. When young, the smooth, tough, flexible twigs are pale green and covered with rusty down. As they mature, the twigs/branches become dark reddish brown, sometimes they are pale grey or light blue/green. When crushed the branches produce a strong offensive odor.
Root:
Spreading root system
Flower Season:
Late spring
Flower Appearance:
The small, whitish, five petaled flowers are arranged in large round terminal cymes up to 5 inches in diameter.
Seed/Fruit:
The fruit are small round blue-black drupes perhaps 1/2 inches long growing on a reddish stems. The drupes are thick-skinned, sweet, and rather juicy. The stones are oblong oval and flattened.
Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A
Habitat:
The plant prefers wet soil along the borders of the forest, often found in fence corners and along roadsides.
Parts Used:
Food: Fruit
Medicinal: Bark, Leaves, Roots
Culinary Uses:
The juicy fruit are a delicious treat. They can be eaten raw or made into jams or pies, or other confections.
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Medicinal Uses:
Measels, dysuria, irregular manstruation.
Herbal Preparations For Plant
Tea
Part Used: Leaves
Plant State: Fresh or dried
Place 2 tsp of fresh chopped leaves, or 1 tsp of dried leaves in a large mug. Pour almost boiling water over the leaves. Steep for 20 minutes. Strain to remove sediment.
Dosage: drink a mug as needed.
Decoction
Part Used: Roots
Plant State: Fresh or Dried
Place 2 ounces of fresh chopped, or 1 ounce of dried chopped, roots into a pan. Add 1 quart of water, and bring to a boil. Continue to boil over medium heat, stirring periodically, until reduced by half. Cool the mixture, strain and drink.
Dosage: 2-4 oz up to four times daily as needed
Standard Infusion
Part Used: Leaves
Plant State: Fresh
Place 2 ounces of fresh chopped leaves into a quart mason jar and fill the jar with almost boiling water. Cover the jar, place it in a sunny location, and let it sit for 8 to 10 hours. If refrigerated, the infusion will last a couple of days.
Dosage: 2-4 oz As Needed
