Spectacular as a stand alone shrub or massed as a backdrop to a border, the American highbush-cranberry gives four seasons of interest to the garden. This large deciduous shrub (8+ feet) prefers full sun, but will also thrive in partial shade as long as it is planted in evenly moist, well-drained soil. American highbush-cranberry, which is not a true cranberry, is blanketed in masses of delicate, white flowers in April and May, glossy green leaves in the summer and red berries that shimmer throughout the winter. The berries, which tend to have a tart flavor, are eagerly consumed by cedar waxwings and other songbirds in the late winter when most food sources are limited.

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