Nannyberry

Other names

Black Haw, Cowberry, Nanny Plum, Tea Plant, Wild Raisin, Sweet Viburnum, Sheepberry

Growth habit

Shrub

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

Native to the Finger Lakes Region, Hudson Bay to Manit. South to GA and MS

Location

Mundy Wildflower Garden, Coy Glen, Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve, McDaniel Meadow, Woods, and Swamp, McLean Bogs, Eames Bog, Salt Road Fen, Purvis Road Wetlands Natural Area, Ringwood Ponds, South Hill Swamp

Source of plant

Bailey Nurseries, Donald Egolf, Robert Mower, Moses Nurseries, Weston Nurseries, Ruth Nix

Description

Shrub or small tree with slender, finally arching branches, somewhat open at maturity, often suckering, reaching 15' to 18' in height, possibly to 30' with a variable spread, often 6' to 8' or more. Flowers white, borne in early to mid May in 3" to 8" diameter flat-topped cymes. Fruit a 1/2" long, bluish-black, bloomy drupe; color starts out green and in the coarse of maturation may show tinges of yellow, rose and pink before finally becoming bluish-black. Fall color not reliable, the leaves often dropping when still a poor green, but can turn purplish-red.

USDA Hardiness Zone

2

Special characteristics

fruiting characteristics

Status

L4|S5|G5