Viburnum lentago aka Nannyberry

Taxonomy

Viburnum lentago, also known as nannyberry, sheepberry, or sweet viburnum, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to North America. It grows up to 30 feet tall with a trunk up to 10 inches in diameter and a round-topped head with pendulous, flexible branches. The bark is reddish- to grayish-brown and broken into small scales. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs on the twigs and are oval with a finely serrated margin, opening from the bud involute, bronze green and shining, and turning a deep red or red and orange in autumn. In late spring, non-fragrant white flowers appear in flat-topped cymes up to 4.5 inches in diameter. The flowers give way in autumn to blue-black, berry-like drupes which often persist into winter and are attractive to birds and wildlife. The fruit is sweet and juicy with a thick skin. The roots are fibrous, and the wood is ill-smelling, dark orange-brown, heavy, hard, and close-grained. Despite being widespread in eastern North America, nannyberry is only known to exist in Missouri in low woods and wooded slopes in Schuyler County. Nannyberry is a rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering and long-lasting direct light to thrive. It prefers well-draining soil and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Nannyberry, Sheepberry, Black Haw

How to care for Nannyberry

Difficulty

Nannyberry requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Nannyberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Nannyberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Nannyberry prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Nannyberry is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Fertilizer

The growth of Nannyberry is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Nannyberry’s native range is Northern N. America - New Brunswick to Saskatchewan, south to Virginia and Nebraska.


More info:
Wikipedia