Squashberry
Viburnum edule
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Russia, United States
Source: Wikimedia; Credit: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Viburnaceae
- Genus:
- Viburnum
- Species:
- Viburnum edule
- USDA Symbol:
- VIED
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- red, orange
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 2-3 months; germination may be slow and erratic.
Pre-treatment: For seeds: Sow in flats in facultative soil mix, cover and store at 68-70°F for 3 months, then refrigerate at 40°F for 3 months. For cuttings: Recut at the base, remove 1/3 of the basal leaves, treat with 3000 ppm Hormex rooting powder, and place in rooting medium under mist with bottom heat for 7 weeks.
Establishment: Seeds are collected in early winter, while cuttings are collected in mid June after flowering. Cuttings produce well-branched roots 8 cm long.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)