The Arrowwood Viburnum Shrub: Characteristics and Uses

Arrowwood Viburnum Shrub

The Arrowwood Viburnum shrub or Viburnum Dentatum is a small multi-stemmed shrub. Native to much of the Eastern States and parts of Canada. A few variations are commonly found. The Arrowwood Viburnum can grow in hardiness zones 2 to 8.

The mature size of the Arrowwood Viburnum can grow to a height of 6 to 15'. At maturity, it has a comparable spread growth. It has a moderate growth rate, with height increases of 13 to 24" per year. This shrub has an irregular, rounded shape.

The Arrowwood Viburnum prefers full sun to partial shade. The sun preference is at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, the Arrowwood shrubs are open to sunlight. These plants tolerate any sunlight. When its light needs are met, white blossoms form. The soil preference is acidic, alkaline, moist, rich, loamy, and well-drained.

The Arrowwood shrubs are good as border plants. They can be used as hedges and screens. With excellent care, the shrubs can reach 15 feet tall. If spots in your yard are too wet for other plants, these shrubs are a good choice for planting in these areas. They can handle wet soil.

This shrub produces Ivory white flowers in clusters 2-4" and Bloom from May to early June. In early fall, ½" blue-black berries appear. The fruits provide a food source for various birds and other species. This shrub attracts Red Admirals, Eastern commas, Butterflies, and Moths. Berries contain 41.3% fat for these birds. It forms dense underbrush, providing excellent covering and nesting for birds. Caterpillars eat this shrub. The Viburnum Leaf Beetle, an invasive insect, also devours the leaves.

The leaves are dark green with coarsely toothed margins. In the late fall, the foliage turns yellow, glossy red, or reddish-purple. Differences can include leaf size, shape, and placement of pubescence on leaf undersides.

Arrowwood Viburnum comes from Native Americans using the stem's strong qualities to make arrow rods. The young shoots used for these came from the shrub's young roots.