Viburnum lentago
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Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: nannyberry viburnum
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Adoxaceae
Zone: 2 to 8
Native Range: Eastern North America
Garden Location: Lang Family Bird Garden, Martha Love Symington Missouri Native Shade Garden
Height: 14 to 16 feet
Spread: 6 to 12 feet
Bloom Time: May
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Fruit: Showy Fruit, Edible Fruit
Wildlife: Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Air Pollution
Uses: Hedge

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prune immediately after flowering since flower buds form in summer for the following year. Remove root suckers to control spread unless naturalization is desired.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Nannyberry is a large, upright, multi-stemmed, suckering, deciduous shrub which typically grows to 10-18' tall with a spread of 6-12', but may also be grown as a small, single trunk tree which may reach a height of 30'. Non-fragrant white flowers in flat-topped cymes (to 4.5" diameter) appear in spring. Flowers give way in autumn to blue-black, berry-like drupes which often persist into winter and are quite attractive to birds and wildlife. Ovate, finely toothed, glossy dark green leaves (to 4" long) are abruptly long-pointed. Variable fall color ranges from drab greenish-yellow to reddish-purple. Although widespread in eastern North America, this plant is only known to exist in Missouri in low woods and wooded slopes in Schuyler County. Fruits are edible and may be eaten off the bush when ripe or used in jams and jellies. Nanny goats apparently feed on the ripe berries (reportedly more so than billy goats), hence the common name.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Mildew and leaf spot are occasional problems.

Garden Uses

Shrub borders. Tall hedge or screen. Background for native plantings. Suckering habit is conducive to naturalizing.

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