Summary
An underused shrub, arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum) assimilates well into a naturalistic border or woodland edge while providing two seasons of interest. Flowering in late spring through early summer with delicate white blooms, arrowwood yields a bounty of porcelain-blue fruit in fall. These fruits are high in fat and are an important fuel source for migrating birds. Growing 6-10′ tall, the natural arching stems lend an architecturally graceful appearance to the woodland garden. Preferring to grow in average to moist soils in full sun, arrowwood will also tolerate light shade along a woodland edge, and dry, nutrient-lacking and variable pH soils. This species is excellent for a wildlife habitat garden or screen when combined with American holly (Ilex opaca), wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) and blue wood aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium). Zones 2-8.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-to-partial-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-moist - Flowering Period
late-spring-to-early-summer - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
yellow, yellow-orange - Other Common Names
Southern arrowwood, Arrowwood viburnum - Fruit/Seed Color
blue
Additional Information
Missouri Botanical Garden, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Illinois Wildflowers