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Sheepberry Viburnum lentago

Phonetic Spelling
vih-BUR-num lent-AH-go
Description

Nannyberry is a native, suckering shrub in the Viburnaceae family and is adaptable to a wide range of sites. It is commonly found in moist areas with rich loam to clay-loam soil, such as low woods, swamp borders, or near stream banks but tolerates drier sites. Although quite shade-tolerant, it achieves a relatively larger size in more open areas. It can be grown as a shrub or small tree. Creamy white flowers in spring are showy as are the fruits in the fall which are edible. Fall color is orange to reds.

Plant in full sun to dappled shade in average moist well-drained soils. Use as a small tree, a hedge, in naturalized areas or woodland settings. Great shrub to attract wildlife.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It can develop mildew in shader sites.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#shrub#showy fruits#deer resistant#native garden#naturalizes#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#hedge#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#shrub#showy fruits#deer resistant#native garden#naturalizes#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#hedge#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Viburnum
    Species:
    lentago
    Family:
    Viburnaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    NE and midwest North America
    Distribution:
    CO , CT , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MT , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SD , VA , VT , WI , WV , WY Canada: MB , NB , ON , QC , SK
    Wildlife Value:
    Mildly resistant to damage by deer. Birds and other wildlife are attracted to fruits and butterflies to the blooms. Larval host for the Spring Azure butterfly.
    Play Value:
    Wildlife Food Source
    Wildlife Larval Host
    Edibility:
    Fruits may be eaten off the bush when ripe or used in jams and jellies.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 18 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Open
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Blue
    Gold/Yellow
    Pink
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    A mixture of 1/2 inch light green, pale yellow, and red-pink fruits in the same cluster slowly change to blue-black.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Black
    Blue
    Cream/Tan
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Creamy white flowers on 3 to 4 in. flat-topped cyme. Individual flowers are 1/4 inch across with 5 petals and long stamens.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Purple/Lavender
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inch wide. They are glossy dark green with new growth being yellow-green. Fall color is orange to purplish-red.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Black
    Dark Gray
    Bark Plate Shape:
    Square
    Bark Description:
    The bark is dark gray to black in a pattern of small blocks
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stems and young branches are brown and smooth
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Hedge
    Screen/Privacy
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer