Highbush cranberry is a welcome native bush to the Wisconsin landscape, so often crowded out by invasive species like the honeysuckles. While both provide protection and forage for our wildlife, the Vibernum's fruit lasts well into the leaner winter months.
Our North American Vibernum 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 the red fruits, which look much alike, have a similar flavor, and ripen at the same time of year.