Nannyberry viburnum (Viburnum lentago)

Features and Characteristics

Viburnum lentago, commonly called nannyberry, is a large, upright, multi-stemmed, suckering, deciduous shrub which typically grows to 10-18′ tall with a spread of 6-12′, but may also be grown as a small, single trunk tree which may reach a height of 30′. Non-fragrant white flowers in flat-topped cymes (to 5″ diameter) appear in spring. Flowers give way in autumn to blue-black, berry-like drupes which often persist into winter and are quite attractive to birds and wildlife. Ovate, finely toothed, glossy dark green leaves (to 4″ long) are abruptly long-pointed. Variable fall color ranges from drab greenish-yellow to reddish-purple. Although widespread in eastern North America, this plant is only known to exist in Missouri in low woods and wooded slopes in Schuyler County. Fruits are edible and may be eaten off the bush when ripe or used in jams and jellies.

Genus name comes from the Latin name of a species plant.

Specific epithet means flexible as the twigs are very tough and flexible.

Nanny goats apparently feed on the ripe berries (reportedly more so than billy goats), hence the common name.