N. North America, esp. East (PNW native)
"American cranberrybush is a good wildlife food and cover plant for small mammals and birds. Twigs are eaten by deer, moose and beaver. Fruits are a staple winter food for ruffed grouse and are eaten sparingly by pheasants and at least five species of songbirds." [1]
"Berries turn black in drying and have been used for making ink... Some Viburnum species are used as a nerve sedative and anti-spasmatic for asthma, cramps, palpitation, heart disease and rheumatism." [2]
"Humans find the fruit tart but edible and excellent as a preserve or sauce... The shrub is useful as a medium tall hedge or border for screening or a windbreak... It is an attractive flowering landscape plant for use in odd areas or in group plantings around homes and farm ponds. The fruit is a bright red which increases its ornamental value." [1]
[1] USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program. (2002, February 5). AMERICAN CRANBERRYBUSH Plant Fact Sheet. Retrieved May 10, 2020, from https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_viopa2.pdf
[2] Herman, D. E., Stange, C. M., & Quam, V. C. (Eds.). (n.d.). American Cranberrybush. Retrieved May 10, 2020, from https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/trees/handbook/th-3-17.pdf
