Wayfaring tree - Viburnum lantana (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Wayfaring tree

Also known as: Wayfaring-Tree, Schneeball, Wayfaringtree, Wayfaring Viburnum, Wayfaring tree viburnum, Wayfarer, Hoarwithy

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana)

Honeysuckles, moschatels and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

Red, Black

Fruit Color

White, Cream

Flower Color

Silver, Gray, Green, White, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Wayfaring tree

Distribution of Wayfaring tree

Distribution Map

Wayfaring tree is native to southern and western Europe and the Mediterranean, where its native habitat is woodland edges. It has been introduced in northern Europe, Russia, and North America and is often used in hedges. It is listed as an invasive species in New Jersey. Its flowers and berries make it popular for cultivation as an ornamental plant.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Woodland, Calcareous soils

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana) is an ornamental shrub often found in gardens, frequently used as a hedging plant due to its dense growth. The main visual appeal of this plant is its long-lasting white flowers and red-black berries that ripen in fall. It makes for an appealing feature in wildlife gardens. Good plants to combine with this tree include periwinkle, weigela, and Mugo pine.

Symbolism

Bound, Thoughts of Heaven, Ennui, careful attention to a subject

Interesting Facts

Wayfaring tree is an adaptable and reliable tree or shrub to use for garden borders and hedges. It was once introduced in the United States as an ornamental tree but has since “escaped” from its garden use and naturalized. In some places, it is even considered invasive.

Name Story

Wayfaring tree: Its white flowers give out a scent that created a group of dividing opinions.It is lily-scented to some, unpleasant to others. As its name suggests, the wayfaring tree is a sign. It signifies that if you aren’t already aware of whether you are on or near a path.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Toxicity

Wayfaring tree is mildly poisonous to humans. Consumption of berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea, even in large quantities their effect is mild. Some species can cause dermatitis due to leaf hairs, though there's no specific evidence for wayfaring tree. Avoid direct handling.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Wayfaring tree

Leaves are leathery, dark green/blue-green, tomentose underside with prominent veins, turning purplish-red in fall.

Flowers arranged in flat-topped cymes, creamy white blooms with 5 petals and stamens.

Fruit undergoes color transformation from green to black, small and firm texture in dense clusters.

Stem is gray-brown, slightly fuzzy with fine hairs, thick and symmetrical branching pattern.

Trunk bark evolves from smooth to scaly with age, moderate thickness, ranging 6-15 feet (1.8-4.5 meters) in height.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Wayfaring tree

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Wayfaring tree thrives in temperate regions and prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Watering every 1-2 weeks is optimal, and it can endure short droughts. As a deciduous plant, wayfaring tree sheds leaves annually, reducing water needs during dormancy.

Fertilize: For wayfaring tree, balanced nutrition is essential. Use balanced fertilizers in spring and high nitrogen before summer. Fertilize bi-annually, with lighter doses for young plants, avoiding overfeeding. Employ slow-release formulas, and water after application to enhance nutrient absorption, promoting vitality regardless of gardening experience.

Pruning: Wayfaring tree is a deciduous shrub with dark green leaves, white flowers, and red to black berries. Prune in early spring to remove dead wood and maintain shape, avoiding heavy pruning as it blooms on old wood. Light, regular pruning enhances health and longevity.

Propagation: Wayfaring tree is a resilient shrub from the Viburnaceae family, thriving in various conditions. For propagation, use healthy, semi-hardwood cuttings with leaf nodes, treat with rooting hormone, and plant in well-draining soil. Maintain consistent moisture and indirect light for root development, then acclimatize before transplanting.

Repotting: Repot wayfaring tree every 2-3 years in early spring using a larger container for root growth. Use well-draining soil and water regularly after repotting, avoiding soggy conditions to maintain health and vigor.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Wayfaring tree

Distribution of Wayfaring tree

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Wayfaring tree

Care Guide for Wayfaring tree

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases