Plant of the Month May 2018

Photo: Maple Leaf Viburnum bloom by Gary Chafin.

Maple Leaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) is a deciduous shrub which is relatively common in our forests. It grows from 3 to 6 feet in height with lobed leaves that look like maple leaves. It usually forms suckers in its natural environment, and often grows into large colonies.

   In late spring, Maple Leaf Viburnum produces attractive clusters of white flowers which are followed by small dark purple or black berries. It is the larval host for butterflies. Birds and box turtles eat the berries. Fall foliage color is variable but can be very showy.

   Unlike most viburnums, this shrub is very shade tolerant and once established is quite drought tolerant.  In the home landscape it can be used in woodland garden settings or in foundation plantings and hedges. 

See Go Native—Grow Native at www.nnnps.org for more information on choosing native plants appropriate for landscaping.