Quick answer: American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is native to 15 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Photo by Keith Weller, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Wet |
| Soil | Wet to moist, peaty, acidic soils |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jul |
| Height | Up to 6 in tall |
| Wildlife value | Low wildlife use, attracts birds, special value to native bees |
none noted formally; cultivated varieties noted as escaped elsewhere outside native range
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about American cranberry
Where is American cranberry native?
American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is native to 15 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does American cranberry bloom?
American cranberry blooms May-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does American cranberry need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Wet. Soil: Wet to moist, peaty, acidic soils. Mature height: Up to 6 in tall.
Is American cranberry good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Low wildlife use, attracts birds, special value to native bees.
Is American cranberry deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
American cranberry is tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy real American cranberry seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Vaccinium macrocarpon on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with American cranberry.
- Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa
- Sheep laurel Kalmia angustifolia
- Swamp rose Rosa palustris
- Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum
- Inkberry Ilex glabra
- Great laurel Rhododendron maximum
Also listed under
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