Like other Viburnums, Nannyberry can be grown as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. This species spreads through root suckers so tends to grow as a shrub rather than a tree. Its flowers are not fragrant like other viburnums. Nannyberry can be found in the northern half of Illinois, but it can grow in zones found in southern Illinois.
Pollinator Type
Bees, flies, beetles
Plant Type
Deciduous shrub
Zone
2 to 9
Height
8-25 ft
Spread
6-12 ft
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Medium Soil
Bloom Color
White
Bloom Time
May
Design Considerations
Multi-stemmed shrub when young but can mature into a small tree with a rounded crown with pruning.
Care and Maintenance
Spreads through suckers so pruning will be necessary to stop spread. Bud development for flowers occurs the summer before, so this plant has a short pruning window between end of current season flowering and start of new bud formation in summer.
Pest and Diseases
No major issues.
Establishment and Propagation
Transplant from nursery container in fall or spring.
Commercial Availability
Commonly available.
Alternative Plant Selections
Blackhaw Viburnum, Southern Arrowwood
Native Status
Illinois native, northern and central Illinois.
Fall Color
Leaves turn red in the fall. Cluster of blue berries replace the flowers.
Growth habit
Multi-stemmed shrub when young but can mature into a small tree with a rounded crown with pruning.
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
