Sheepberry
Viburnum lentago
Last reviewed: August 2026
Sheepberry (Viburnum lentago) is a perennial shrub native to CT, GA, IA, IL and 22 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw native bees, syrphid flies, and beetles.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
144"–240" H × 72"–144" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CT, GA, IA, IL and 22 more states
Pollinators
native bees, syrphid flies, beetles
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A large shrub or small multi-stemmed tree with arching branches, creamy flat-topped flower clusters, and blue-black fruit on red stalks. Glossy leaves turn purple-red in fall. It suckers slowly and can be limbed up as a small specimen tree.
Growing Sheepberry
Grow Sheepberry in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 144 to 240 inches tall and spread 72 to 144 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Fruit persists into winter and is eaten by thrushes, waxwings and grouse; the dense branching offers nesting cover.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sheepberry need?
- Sheepberry grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Sheepberry bloom?
- Sheepberry blooms in May and June.
- Where is Sheepberry native?
- Sheepberry (Viburnum lentago) is native to CT, GA, IA, IL and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Sheepberry attract?
- Sheepberry draws native bees, syrphid flies, and beetles.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Sheepberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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