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Edible
Plants - Wild Survival Guide
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HIGHBUSH CRANBERRY
Viburnum
edule /
CAPRIFOLIACEAE Honeysuckle family
Other
Common Names:
Arrowwood, Squawbush
Description:
Viburnum: Slender shrubs or shrubby tree 1-4.5 m high; leaves
opposite, |
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and toothed; flower cluster is borne in between opposing leaves. V.
edule: Several stems 1.3 m tall; buds and white flowers mostly
upright, but droop as they mature into bright red berries. The drawing
illustrates the plant in the budding stage.
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Location:
Viburnum: Throughout northern United States and Canada; in
woods, thickets, bogs and along mountain streams.
Season:
Blooms in spring and early summer; fruit in fall and winter.
Edible:
Berry.
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Preparation:
Berry can be eaten raw, cooked or dried. Not related to cultivated
cranberry, but when cooked, substitute for cranberry sauce. Pleasant, colorful
drink |
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made by allowing berries to simmer, then mash, straining out seeds and
skins. Add water to taste, serve hot or cold. Berries used in
preserves, pies and even wine.
Notes of
Interest:
Berry is an excellent source of vitamin C. The name Squawbush,
apparently given for medicinal property of bark, which was used as a
uterine sedative to quell menstrual pains by North American Indians |
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