Highbush cranberry for birds in New Jersey
Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone. Native to New Jersey, where it feeds or shelters 31 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Viburnum trilobum
- Native status
- Native in New Jersey
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6a–7b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- New Jersey birds supported
- 31
- Nesting birds among them
- 25
Growing conditions in New Jersey
Humid continental to subtropical, from the Highlands in the north to the Pine Barrens and Cape May.
Hot, humid summers; Cape May is a world-class migration funnel.
New Jersey birds that use Highbush cranberry
Year-round residents (11)
Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Monk Parakeet
Summer breeders (14)
Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (6)
Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing
Moderate winters; Cape May and the shore hold many half-hardy birds.
Nesting season it supports in New Jersey
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 — April–August
- Eastern Bluebird — April–August
- House Finch — April–August
- American Robin — April–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — April–June
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — May–July
- Eastern Towhee — May–July
Native plants to pair with Highbush cranberry in New Jersey
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
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 Jersey?
Yes. Highbush cranberry (Viburnum trilobum) is recorded as native in New Jersey. New Jersey spans USDA 6a–7b.
What birds does Highbush cranberry attract in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, Highbush cranberry supports 31 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.
Does Highbush cranberry help nesting birds in New Jersey?
25 of those birds nest in New Jersey: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (April–August), House Finch (April–August), American Robin (April–July).
Which winter birds use Highbush cranberry in New Jersey?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing use it in New Jersey during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Jersey
- 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.