Highbush Cranberry.pdf

American cranberrybush, cranberry tree, crampbark tree, guelder-rose, and others
Uses: Ornamental plant, edible fruits used in sauces, jellies, and juices; antispasmodic properties in bark
Description: Native shrub, 4m high, with deciduous leaves, white flowers, and bright red fruit
Variation: North American plants (var. americanum) differ from European plants (var. opulus) in stipule and petiolar gland characteristics
Distribution: Widely distributed across north-central North America, from Newfoundland to British Columbia, and in the US from Maine to Washington
Adaptation: Grows in wet woods, along streams, and on moist wooded hillsides, requiring moist but well-drained sites
Establishment: Seeds difficult to germinate, requiring two years to germinate in the wild
Management: Easy to grow, adaptable to various soils and acidity, but requires consistent moisture and well-drained soil; prune after flowering to encourage new shoots
Pests and Diseases: Relatively free from damage, but susceptible to viburnum leaf beetle, bacterial leaf spot, powdery mildew, and other pests and diseases.