Three Acre Tablea garden, a kitchen, a good excuse to gather
Viburnum dentatum
Plate — illustration to come
Native · New Jersey

Arrowwood Viburnum

Viburnum dentatum

Shrub

Multi-trunked native shrub with flat-topped clusters of small white flowers in late spring, followed by clusters of dark blue-black berries in fall. Straight arrow-shooting shoots gave it the common name. Fall foliage yellow to burgundy.

At a glance

The spec sheet.

Habitat
Forest edges, moist thickets, streambanks
Bloom time
May – June
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Soil
Average to moist; adaptable
Moisture
Medium
Height
6–10 feet
For the wildlife

What it attracts.

The species that visit, feed on, or depend on this plant — and how they use it.

  • Spring Azure butterfly

    Larval host

  • Native bees (many species)

    Nectar source

  • Migrating songbirds

    Fruit / seed source

    Cedar waxwings, catbirds, mockingbirds, cardinals, thrushes — berries ripen for fall migration

  • Overwintering birds

    Cover / habitat

    Dense multi-trunked form provides winter shelter

Notes on growing

Grows in almost any soil. Plant more than one for better fruit set — Viburnums are partially self-incompatible. Prune only to remove crossing branches; the shape is best when left alone.

Sources

Xerces Society · Doug Tallamy — Bringing Nature Home · Jersey-Friendly Yards

Blooms with

Other natives in bloom now.