Quick answer: Highbush cranberry (Viburnum opulus var. americanum) is native to 22 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Sarah Johnson, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
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 | High water, Moist-Wet |
| Soil | Wet to average, well-drained loams |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jul |
| Height | Up to 16 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Songbirds/gamebirds/small mammals use berries as winter food, attracts birds/butterflies, larval host for Spring Azure |
none noted; native per USDA status, referenced as native alternative to invasive plants
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Highbush cranberry
Where is Highbush cranberry native?
Highbush cranberry (Viburnum opulus var. americanum) is native to 22 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Highbush cranberry bloom?
Highbush cranberry blooms May-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Highbush cranberry need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: High water, Moist-Wet. Soil: Wet to average, well-drained loams. Mature height: Up to 16 ft tall.
Is Highbush cranberry good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Songbirds/gamebirds/small mammals use berries as winter food, attracts birds/butterflies, larval host for Spring Azure.
Is Highbush cranberry deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Highbush cranberry is tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy real Highbush cranberry seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Viburnum opulus var. americanum on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Highbush cranberry.
- Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa
- Quaking aspen Populus tremuloides
- Eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides
- Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica
- Pin oak Quercus palustris
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
Also listed under
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