Fauna
Plant

Squashberry

Viburnum edule

Also known as Mooseberry, Lowbush Cranberry, Pembina, Moosomin

Squashberry is a cold-hardy deciduous shrub native to moist northern forests, stream banks, and subalpine thickets across boreal North America. In late spring, it produces compact flat-topped clusters of small white flowers that lack the enlarged sterile outer florets seen in related viburnums. The glossy red to orange drupes persist late into autumn, serving as an important seasonal food resource for bears, moose, and foraging songbirds.

DeciduousShrubBoreal
Squashberry reference
(c) psweet, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by psweet · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Moose
  • American Black Bear
  • Bohemian Waxwing
ThreatsHabitat clearing, invasive species competition, and changing wetland hydrology
HabitatsMoist boreal forests, stream banks, muskeg borders, and mountain thickets
Life span20 to 50 years
Classification
  1. OrderDipsacales
  2. FamilyViburnaceae
  3. GenusViburnum
  4. SpeciesViburnum edule
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Look for opposite, shallowly three-lobed leaves on smooth, slender reddish-brown twigs.
  • Habitat Clues: Search along shaded streambeds, damp forest borders, and mossy wetland edges.
  • Seasonal Timing: Watch for small creamy-white flower clusters in June followed by bright red drupes in August.
Related species
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