Viburnum opulus var. americanum is a large, caney shrub with maple-shaped leaves and drooping clusters of edible and brilliant red late-summer berries.  With a little sugar, the berries, high in Vitamin C, lose their tartness and are great in jams and spreads.
 
     American Cranberry Bush is a larval host to Spring Azure, Humingbird Clearwing and other moth species, and it attracts butterflies and songbirds and provides nesting structure for native bees.  The berries also provide winter food for birds and pheasants.
 
     American Cranberry Bush makes a great hedge or screen.  It looks lovely against a foundation and along the edges of the woods.
 
     As with most viburnums the spring flowers are lovely with large, white bracts surrounding the fertile flowers.  Fall foliage is stunning.