Hobbleberry

Viburnum lantanoides

Physical Characteristics

Viburnum lantanoides is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New Brunswick to North Carolina, Ontario, Tennessee and Michigan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[3, 62, 65]. Sweet and palatable, tasting somewhat like raisins or dates[101, 105, 183]. The fruits have a large seed and a thin flesh[183]. The taste is best after a frost[62, 65]. The ovoid fruit is about 15mm long and contains a single large seed[200].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Blood purifier Infertility The leaves are analgesic[257]. They have been mashed and applied to the head as a poultice to ease a migraine[257]. A decoction of the roots has been used as a blood medicine[257]. The decoction has been used as a fertility aid by women[257].

Known Hazards

None known