Deno’s GardenMy Garden

Viburnum trilobum

American Guelder-rose · American Cranberrybush

Family ViburnaceaeGenus Viburnum

Clusters of berries on one stem, ripening from orange-red to glossy black, among broad lobed leaves.
FruitArnCC BY 4.0

About the plant

What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.

The plant

Habit
Perennial, ShrubExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Habit
shrubPlants of the World Online
Height
8-12 ft2.4-3.7 mExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Spread
8-12 ft2.4-3.7 mExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Flower
WhiteExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Blooms
SpringExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Native range
Alberta, British Columbia, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana and elsewhereGBIF Backbone Taxonomy
Hardiness zones
2-7Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Growing conditions

Sun
Full sun; Partial ShadeExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil
Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), SandExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Moisture
Good Drainage, MoistExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.

Sources: Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — NC State Extension; Plants of the World Online — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Global Biodiversity Information Facility.

Worth knowing

  • The American cranberrybush is very closely related to the European and Asian Viburnum opulus, and is often treated as a variety or a subspecies of it. Wikipedia: Viburnum trilobum

This source reports two treatments. Both are shown.

Protocol 1

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996

Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around September 30, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on September 29, 2026.

  1. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  2. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C Light: dark

about 3 months from start to step 2. Germination happens during step 2, in 98 days.

100% germination in 63–98 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1996 · 1st Supplement, Viburnum p. 85Public domain
Show the original text
Viburnum (Caprifoliaceae). All seeds were WC for 7 d first. V. trilobum germ. 70D(95% in 5-8 w) and 40-70D(100% in 9-14 w). A prior 3 m at 40 had no effect. Germination consisted of forming a radicle. The seedlings then required 3 m at 40 and a return to 70 in order for formation of a stem and leaves.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement, 1st Supplement, Viburnum p. 85. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 2

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996

Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around February 8, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Sow and cover

    Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: dark

No stated waiting before sowing. Then 56 days to germinate.

95% germination in 35–56 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1996 · 1st Supplement, Viburnum p. 85Public domain
Show the original text
Viburnum (Caprifoliaceae). All seeds were WC for 7 d first. V. trilobum germ. 70D(95% in 5-8 w) and 40-70D(100% in 9-14 w). A prior 3 m at 40 had no effect. Germination consisted of forming a radicle. The seedlings then required 3 m at 40 and a return to 70 in order for formation of a stem and leaves.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement, 1st Supplement, Viburnum p. 85. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

How each step is done, in Deno’s words, and what Verified and Derived mean.

Germination trials

Readers’ own records of sowing this species, published after review. Share your trial · All trials

Add to My Garden

View species page