Snow on Berries

Snow on Highbush Cranberries

Fresh winter snow caps a brightly colored cluster of Highbush Cranberry berries (Viburnum opulus var. americanum), adding an eye-catching flash of color to the winter woods.

Highbush cranberry is a welcome native bush in the Wisconsin landscape, so often crowded out by invasive species like honeysuckle. While both provide protection and forage for our wildlife, the Viburnum's fruit lasts well into the leaner winter months. 

Our North American Viburnum is closely related to the European variety and, scientifically, is often treated as its subspecies (i.e., Viburnum opulus subsp. trilobum). While not related to cranberries, the name comes from red fruits that look much alike, have a similar flavor, and ripen at the same time of year.