Viburnum lentago

Description

Nannyberry is a large, multi-stem shrub, sometimes growing as a small tree with large inflorescences of white flowers in the spring (pollinators!) and edible, ornamental dark-bluish fruits in late fall. The glossy foliage usually takes a purplish color in the fall.

It is an useful native shrub with high wildlife value; it can be kept smaller by pruning (informal hedge possible). Not a species for small gardens but good at edges of large properties, woodlots & naturalizations projects.

Germination: Viburnum species require a warm/moist stratification (2-3 months) followed by a cold/moist stratification for germination. So, depending on the sowing time, germination may happen in 2 years. Seeds bought in late fall/winter can be kept in the fridge and sown outdoors in late summer.