Highbush cranberry for birds in New Hampshire
Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone. Native to New Hampshire, where it feeds or shelters 26 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Viburnum trilobum
- Native status
- Native in New Hampshire
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–6a
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- New Hampshire birds supported
- 26
- Nesting birds among them
- 24
Growing conditions in New Hampshire
Humid continental, with the White Mountains dividing the southern lowlands from northern forest.
Mild summers; nesting starts late May.
New Hampshire birds that use Highbush cranberry
Year-round residents (10)
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Canada Jay
Summer breeders (14)
Eastern Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Eastern Towhee, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (2)
Long, snowy winters; boreal species visit feeders in irruption years.
Nesting season it supports in New Hampshire
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Highbush cranberry:
- Northern Cardinal — May–August
- Eastern Bluebird — May–August
- House Finch — May–August
- Purple Finch — June–July
- American Robin — May–July
- White-throated Sparrow — June–July
- Northern Flicker — May–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — May–June
- Baltimore Oriole — June–July
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — June–July
Native plants to pair with Highbush cranberry in New Hampshire
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Frequently asked
Is Highbush cranberry native to New Hampshire?
Yes. Highbush cranberry (Viburnum trilobum) is recorded as native in New Hampshire. New Hampshire spans USDA 3b–6a.
What birds does Highbush cranberry attract in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, Highbush cranberry supports 26 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.
Does Highbush cranberry help nesting birds in New Hampshire?
24 of those birds nest in New Hampshire: Northern Cardinal (May–August), Eastern Bluebird (May–August), House Finch (May–August), Purple Finch (June–July).
Which winter birds use Highbush cranberry in New Hampshire?
Winter visitors Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing use it in New Hampshire during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Hampshire
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.