Contents
Description
Viburnum Edule, commonly known as the squashberry or highbush cranberry, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. This plant is native to the northern hemisphere, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia. It can grow up to 3-4 meters tall and 2-3 meters wide. The leaves are simple, opposite, and have a serrated margin. The flowers are white, small, and arranged in flat-topped clusters. They bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruits are edible, juicy, and resemble cranberries. They turn bright red when ripe and are ready for harvest in late summer to early fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Genus | Viburnum |
Appearance
Viburnum Edule has a dense and rounded growth habit. Its bark is grayish-brown and has a rough texture. The leaves are dark green and shiny on the upper surface, while the lower surface is paler and hairy. In the fall, the leaves turn reddish-purple. The flowers are small and white, with a diameter of about 0.5 cm. They have a pleasant fragrance and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The fruit is a round and fleshy drupe that measures about 1 cm in diameter. It has a sour taste and is commonly used to make jellies, syrups, and sauces.
Care Guide
Water: Viburnum Edule prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry periods. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Repeat every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.Soil: Viburnum Edule grows best in acidic to slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.Sunlight: Viburnum Edule prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade but may produce fewer flowers and fruits.Hardiness Zones: Viburnum Edule is hardy in USDA zones 2 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Viburnum Edule is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, and bacterial canker. These diseases can be prevented by maintaining good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected plant parts.
Habitat
Viburnum Edule is commonly found in moist and cool habitats such as swamps, bogs, and thickets. It grows well in temperate and subarctic regions of the northern hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I eat the fruits of Viburnum Edule?
A: Yes, the fruits are edible and are commonly used to make jams, jellies, and sauces.
Q: How tall can Viburnum Edule grow?
A: Viburnum Edule can grow up to 3-4 meters tall and 2-3 meters wide.
Q: Is Viburnum Edule resistant to pests and diseases?
A: Viburnum Edule is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it may be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and spider mites, as well as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and bacterial canker.
Q: What is the best time to harvest the fruits of Viburnum Edule?
A: The fruits of Viburnum Edule are ready for harvest in late summer to early fall, when they turn bright red.
Related Plants
- Viburnum Opulus
- Viburnum Trilobum
- Viburnum Lentago
- Viburnum Tinus
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Viburnums: flowering shrubs for every season. Timber Press.
- Huxley, A. (1992). The new RHS dictionary of gardening. Macmillan Press.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Viburnum edule. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e669
