Nannyberry Tree Seeds | Sheepberry | (Viburnum lentago)
Nannyberry Tree Seeds | Sheepberry | (Viburnum lentago)
Glossy berries, four-season beauty, and native woodland resilience.
Viburnum lentago, commonly known as Nannyberry, is a hardy native shrub or small tree valued for its adaptability, wildlife support, and year-round interest. Native to eastern North America, it produces creamy white spring flowers, lush green foliage, and clusters of glossy blue-black berries that ripen in late summer.
Nannyberry thrives in a wide range of soils and climates, making it an excellent choice for hedgerows, reforestation projects, and naturalized landscapes. In autumn, its foliage turns rich shades of red, purple, and orange, delivering reliable fall color.
Why Grow Nannyberry?
- Native, low-maintenance shrub or small tree with four-season appeal
- Produces abundant edible berries prized by birds and wildlife
- Excellent for hedgerows, screens, and ecological restoration
- Highly cold-hardy and tolerant of clay and variable moisture
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Viburnum lentago
- Common Names: Nannyberry, Sheepberry
- Germination Rate: 85%
- Harvest Year: 2024
- Seed Source: Midwest USA
- Stratification: Double dormancy; warm moist stratification followed by cold stratification recommended
- USDA Zones: 2–8
- Soil: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained loam but tolerates clay
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 15–25 ft tall × 10–20 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Packet Sizes: 5, 10, 25, 50, or 100 seeds
Ecological Importance
- Spring flowers provide early nectar for native bees and pollinators.
- Berries serve as a vital late-season food source for birds and mammals.
- Dense branching offers nesting habitat and protective cover.
Fun Facts
- The berries were traditionally cooked into jams and sauces.
- Nannyberry wood was historically used for arrow shafts and tools.
- The fruit sweetens after frost, increasing its appeal to wildlife.
Evergreen Seed Co. delivers premium, high-germination tree seeds for growers who value native species, ecological impact, and long-term landscape resilience. Each order includes detailed germination instructions and seed-handling guidance for confident planting.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
