Family: Adoxaceae
Duration: Perennial
Height: 1-2 m (3-6 ft)
Blooming: June-July
MapleLeaf Viburnum
Viburnum acerifolium L.
Stem: woody, twigs are pubescent.
Flowers: numerous white flowers set in a flat or umbrella like cluster. The flower clusters can be up to 7 cm wide.
Leaves: The opposite leaves grow up to 10 cm (5 in) in length. The have 3 lobes but sometimes 5. Soft hairs make the leaf feel fuzzy.
Sun: Full sun to shade
SOURCES & FURTHER RESOURCES:
Illinois Wildflowers - Maple-Leaved Viburnum
Michigan Flora - Viburnum acerifolium
Comments: Horticulturist, Michael Dirr, said, "a garden without a viburnum is akin to a life without music and art".
Etymology: Viburnum is from the Latin meaning "wayfaring tree".
Butterfly host plant: Maple-leaved viburnums are the larvae host plant for Spring Azule (Celastrina ladon).
all photos by Nathanael Pilla
Landscape:
Maple-leaved viburnum can be used as a corner shrub in a shady part of the landscape. It doesn't do well in deep shade however. This little shrub attracts birds, butterflies, and bees. Autumn foliage is a beautiful reddish-purple color. Wildlife loves the fruits.
