20199022 (2)topaz-denoise-enhance-2x-sharpen High Bush Cranberries
Although often called "highbush cranberry", it is not a cranberry. The name comes from the red fruits which look superficially like cranberries, and have a similar flavor and ripen at the same time of year. The fruits, sour and rich in vitamin C, can be eaten raw or cooked into a sauce to serve with meat or game.
Scientific Name: Viburnum opulus var. americanum (trilobum)
Description:
If you look closely at the blossoms, you will see they are clusters of small yellowish flowers in the centre and showy white flowers around the edge. The showy flowers are not fertile and will fall off when the other flowers are pollinated and begin to form fruit. The leaves of the high bush cranberry are similar to a maple leaf but with three distinct lobes, hence the Latin name trilobum. Sometimes the leaves have a smooth margin, or edge, and sometimes they have some teeth or serrations. Variability can exist on the same shrub.
Range: The high bush cranberry is native to every province in Canada.
Habitat: The High bush cranberry can be found in wet areas such as in thickets along shorelines, swamps and forest edges. In a garden setting it can tolerate a variety of soils, although moist well-drained soil is best. While it prefers full sun, it can also handle partial shade.
Primary Ecosystem Roles:
While the berries are not a favourite of many birds, they are a very important survival food as the winter progresses. Ruffed grouse, cedar waxwings, thrushes, robins, cardinals and grosbeaks are among the birds that feed on its fruit. Mammals such as deer, moose, red squirrels and beaver may feed on the various parts of the high bush cranberry.
In addition to food, the bushes also provide birds with shelter from the elements and hiding places from predators.
20199022 (2)topaz-denoise-enhance-2x-sharpen High Bush Cranberries
Although often called "highbush cranberry", it is not a cranberry. The name comes from the red fruits which look superficially like cranberries, and have a similar flavor and ripen at the same time of year. The fruits, sour and rich in vitamin C, can be eaten raw or cooked into a sauce to serve with meat or game.
Scientific Name: Viburnum opulus var. americanum (trilobum)
Description:
If you look closely at the blossoms, you will see they are clusters of small yellowish flowers in the centre and showy white flowers around the edge. The showy flowers are not fertile and will fall off when the other flowers are pollinated and begin to form fruit. The leaves of the high bush cranberry are similar to a maple leaf but with three distinct lobes, hence the Latin name trilobum. Sometimes the leaves have a smooth margin, or edge, and sometimes they have some teeth or serrations. Variability can exist on the same shrub.
Range: The high bush cranberry is native to every province in Canada.
Habitat: The High bush cranberry can be found in wet areas such as in thickets along shorelines, swamps and forest edges. In a garden setting it can tolerate a variety of soils, although moist well-drained soil is best. While it prefers full sun, it can also handle partial shade.
Primary Ecosystem Roles:
While the berries are not a favourite of many birds, they are a very important survival food as the winter progresses. Ruffed grouse, cedar waxwings, thrushes, robins, cardinals and grosbeaks are among the birds that feed on its fruit. Mammals such as deer, moose, red squirrels and beaver may feed on the various parts of the high bush cranberry.
In addition to food, the bushes also provide birds with shelter from the elements and hiding places from predators.