Arrowwood Viburnum

Thrives in USDA Zones 3 - 8

• Transplant

  Plant container-grown stock in spring or fall; cross-pollination between two or more unrelated plants dramatically increases berry set

• Harvest

  Berries ripen August-September; mildly bitter to humans but important wildlife food; not typically consumed by people

• Plant at least two genetically different individuals for cross-pollination and maximum berry production.

• Viburnum leaf beetle has become a significant pest in the northeast; select resistant species such as V. dentatum over more susceptible V. opulus.

• Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds; no annual pruning is necessary for healthy plants.

• Mulch with 2-3 inches of wood chips to conserve moisture and suppress weeds during establishment.

• Watering

  If the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, a deep watering at the base may help more than frequent light watering. In healthy soil, rain may cover much of what it needs.

• Feeding

  Extra feeding is rarely required if soil is healthy. If growth looks pale or slow, a light compost top-dressing is often enough before adding anything stronger.

• Pruning

  If pruning is needed, dormancy or the period just after harvest is often the simplest window. Dead, damaged, or crossing growth is usually the first place to start.

• Seasonal care

  In late fall, a light cleanup and fresh mulch can help if winter protection is useful in your climate. Leaving a little space around crowns and trunks often helps air move and keeps excess moisture from sitting there.

• Chicago Lustre

  Selection with exceptional glossy dark green foliage; superior fall color and berry production; highly resistant to viburnum leaf beetle. One of the best choices for the northeast.

  Best for

  Northeast gardens; leaf beetle resistance; reliable berry production; fall color

• Blue Muffin (Christom)

  Compact form reaching 5-7 feet; heavy berry production; works well in smaller landscapes while retaining full wildlife value.

  Best for

  Smaller gardens; mass planting; heavy berry set

• Straight Species

  Seed-grown wild-type arrowwood; maximum genetic diversity and wildlife value; ideal for restoration and naturalized plantings.

  Best for

  Ecological restoration; naturalized areas; maximum bird value

• Viburnum Leaf Beetle
• Aphids
• Powdery Mildew

Origin

Native to eastern North America.

Native Habitat

Moist thickets, woodland edges, streambanks, and forest margins from New Brunswick to Georgia and west to the Great Plains.

Current Distribution

Widespread across eastern North America within its native range; widely cultivated in native plant gardens and restoration plantings.

Kingdom

Plantae

Family

Moschatel family (Adoxaceae)

Genus

Viburnum

Species

dentatum

• Root System

  Fibrous and suckering; forms multi-stemmed colonies over time; roots spread moderately and provide good erosion control on slopes.

• Stem

  Upright, multi-stemmed shrub 6-10 feet tall and wide; young stems gray-brown with opposite branching.

• Leaves

  Opposite, ovate to rounded with coarsely toothed margins; dark glossy green in summer, turning burgundy to orange-red in fall.

• Flowers

  Flat-topped cymes (corymbs) of small creamy-white flowers 3-4 inches across; bloom May-June; attractive to native bees and flies.

• Fruit

  Blue-black drupes in drooping clusters, 1/4 inch across; ripen August-September; consumed by mockingbirds, catbirds, robins, and more than 35 other bird species.

Viburnum dentatum is native to eastern North America from New Brunswick south to Georgia and west to the Great Plains, growing naturally in moist thickets, woodland edges, and streambanks. It is among the most ecologically important native shrubs for birds; more than 35 species have been documented consuming its berries, particularly during fall migration. Indigenous peoples across its range used the straight young stems as arrow shafts and in basket weaving. The European-origin Viburnum opulus (guelder rose) was historically planted in its place due to commercial availability, but the native V. dentatum supports far greater wildlife diversity.