American Highbush Cranberry

Viburnum opulus var. americanum

American Highbush Cranberry is a native viburnum of moist, rich forests and wetland edges whose large clusters of tart, translucent red berries persist through winter on bare branches. It is an exceptionally valuable wildlife plant—bohemian waxwings, cedar waxwings, and ruffed grouse consume enormous quantities of berries during winter. The berries are edible when cooked.

Habitat

Moist forests and wetland edges across northern North America

Diet

Berries are critical winter food for cedar and bohemian waxwings and grouse

How common

Common

Not certain it is a American Highbush Cranberry? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.