How to identify Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

How to identify Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

Arrowwood viburnum, also known as Oughish arrowwood

Arrowwood viburnum typically reaches a stature of 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters) and boasts a display of vibrant, white blossoms in spring. These flowers come together in broad, flat-topped clusters approximately 4 inches (10 cm) across. Following the flowering period, this shrub produces distinctive bluish-black drupe fruits that mature during the late summer to early fall. Notably, successful fruiting requires the presence of more than one genetic variant of arrowwood viburnum.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Arrowwood viburnum

Flat-topped clusters of white blossoms measuring 4 inches (10 cm) across in spring.

Distinctive bluish-black drupe fruits, clustered and maturing in late summer to early fall.

Creamy-white flowers with bell-shaped petals and prominent yellow anthers blooming from March to April.

Yellow-green to dark green leaves with coarsely serrated margins changing to vibrant reds in the fall.

Angled twigs with ridges, green to brown buds, and gray mature stems with fissures.

Detailed Traits of Arrowwood viburnum

Leaf Features

The leaves of arrowwood viburnum are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long and 1.5-3 inches (4-7.5 cm) wide. They are yellow-green to dark green on the upper side with sparse short hairs, while the lower side is pale green with prominent veins and variable hairiness. The leaf margins are coarsely serrated. In the fall, the leaves can change color from a drab yellow to vibrant shades of orange and red, displaying a considerable range of hues.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Apex

Obtuse

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Flower Features

Arrowwood viburnum blooms from March to April with creamy-white flowers arranged in flat-topped corymbs up to 4 inches (10 cm) across. Each tiny bloom is approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in diameter, featuring five petals that spread into a bell shape. The stamens are prominent and extend outward, ending in yellow anthers, which add a touch of contrast. These distinct features make arrowwood viburnum's flowers easily recognizable to plant enthusiasts.

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Stem Features

The stem of arrowwood viburnum is characterized by angled twigs with prominent ridges. When young, the twigs may have a downy texture that becomes hairless over time. Mature stems develop a gray color and show fissures. Buds on the stem are green to brown and composed of several scales, contributing to its distinctive appearance. This structure is typically robust and supports moderate branching, essential for recognizing arrowwood viburnum.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of arrowwood viburnum is a striking, blue-black drupe, approximately 1/4 inch (about 6 mm) in diameter. Displayed prominently from July to September, these glossy fruits are clustered in groups, offering an attractive visual appeal. Their fleshy texture encases a single seed, an attribute typical of drupes. While visually appealing to humans, these berries also serve as a vital food source for birds and wildlife, contributing to the ecosystem.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Arrowwood viburnum and Their Similar Plants

American Cranberry Bush vs. Arrowwood viburnum: What's The Difference?

The guelder-rose (*Viburnum opulus*) is a large deciduous shrub famous for its bushy appearance, snowball-shaped flowers, and clusters of bright red berries. Its fruits are very acidic, so they are usually relegated to jams. Due to the low toxicity of the fruit, large amounts of consumption may cause discomfort. The guelder-rose is one of american Cranberry Bush's national symbols and the main theme of the famous Russian song "Kalinka".

Laurustinus vs. Arrowwood viburnum: What's The Difference?

Laurustinus (*Viburnum tinus*) is a flowering shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant, and it often adorns winter gardens. When little else is growing during cold days of winter, laurustinus produces numerous clusters of tiny white flowers.

Japanese snowball vs. Arrowwood viburnum: What's The Difference?

Japanese snowball is a popular deciduous ornamental shrub that can grow up to heights of 3 m tall. The japanese snowball blooms in the spring with clumps of white flowers that resemble snowballs and provides attractive foliage throughout the summer and fall.

Sweet viburnum vs. Arrowwood viburnum: What's The Difference?

Sweet viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) is a small tree that is native to Asia, but widely cultivated throughout the globe as an ornamental tree in gardens. This species is considered easy to grow in warm climates but will become damaged in frosty, cold climates.

Wayfaring tree vs. Arrowwood viburnum: What's The Difference?

The wayfaring tree can be used as an ornamental plant due to its vibrant berries. While beautiful, the berries are toxic and can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. It is native to Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia.

Leatherleaf viburnum vs. Arrowwood viburnum: What's The Difference?

Leatherleaf viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum) is an Asian native flowering plant. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant that is especially popular for shade gardens because It can grow in deep shade.

Koreanspice viburnum vs. Arrowwood viburnum: What's The Difference?

Fragrant pink buds that turn to white blooms are the hallmark of the koreanspice viburnum, a member of the elderberry family. Also known as the Viburnum carlesii, this deciduous shrub is hardy in grow zones four through seven. Essentially rabbit proof, the koreanspice viburnum is attractive to butterflies and caterpillars and produces beautiful fall foliage. Only female bushes will produce berries.

Nannyberry vs. Arrowwood viburnum: What's The Difference?

This large bush, the nannyberry, is known for its lush green foliage which turns red in the fall. It grows interesting, uniquely flavored edible berry which looks a bit wrinkled when ripe. The nannyberry, or Viburnum lentago is sometimes called the sheepberry because its berries are said to have the fragrance of wet sheep’s wool when overripe.

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Key Facts About Arrowwood viburnum

Attributes of Arrowwood viburnum

Lifespan

Perennial

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Red

Gold

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White

Fruit Color

Black

Blue

Stem Color

Green

White

Black

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Arrowwood viburnum

Slightly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Arrowwood viburnum

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Honeysuckles, moschatels and allies

Family

Moschatel

Genus

Viburnum

Species

Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

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Distribution Map of Arrowwood viburnum

Arrowwood viburnum is a deciduous shrub that comes from the central and eastern USA. It is found on wooded slopes in all states east of Texas. This plant hasn't become established elsewhere as an introduced species and is not invasive. The shrub has some garden appeal and it is grown ornamentally in the USA.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Arrowwood viburnum

A Comprehensive Guide to Arrowwood viburnum How to Grow and Care for Arrowwood viburnum