Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

Overview

The Arrowwood viburnum, scientifically known as Viburnum dentatum, is a highly valued, dependable native shrub across Eastern North America. Gardeners appreciate this species for its vigorous growth, exceptional winter hardiness, and reliable seasonal interest, making it a cornerstone for naturalized landscapes. It forms an upright, rounded silhouette, maturing to 6 to 10 feet tall, providing excellent structure year-round.

This versatile plant brightens late spring with clusters of non-fragrant white flowers, which mature into attractive blue-black drupes, offering significant value to local birds and wildlife. The glossy, toothed green foliage of Viburnum dentatum can also display attractive fall coloration ranging from yellow to red. Its low maintenance needs, coupled with its ability to tolerate diverse conditions, make the Arrowwood viburnum an excellent choice where reliability is key.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Adoxaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Native Range: Eastern North America
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 6-10 ft
  • Spread: 6-10 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Viburnum dentatum during the fall or early spring when soils are cool. This shrub thrives best in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils, preferring moist loams but exhibiting tolerance for a wide range of soil types. Ensure the location provides anywhere from full sun to partial shade, though optimum vigor is typically achieved with more light.

Established arrowwood viburnum demonstrates some drought tolerance, but consistent medium moisture is ideal, especially when young. Fertilization is rarely required if the native soil is adequate. Pruning should be executed immediately after the flowering period ends to avoid removing next year’s flower buds. This minor attention ensures the shrub maintains its desired shape without compromising bloom potential.

Landscape Uses

The robust nature of Viburnum dentatum makes it superbly suited for functional landscape roles. While noted as “not highly ornamental,” its reliability shines when massed in shrub borders or utilized as a tall hedge or screen, providing privacy and structure. It performs well in the background of native plantings, layering beautifully with shorter perennials and grasses.

Because it handles tough conditions, including clay soil and proximity to Black Walnut trees, the Arrowwood viburnum is an excellent anchor plant in challenging sites. Consider grouping it with other mid-sized native shrubs that offer sequential blooms to maximize seasonal interest throughout the space.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Fruit Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Viburnum dentatum, commonly called arrowwood viburnum, is an upright, rounded, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub which typically matures to 6-10’ tall with a similar spread, but may reach a height of 15’ in optimum growing conditions. Non-fragrant white flowers in flat-topped corymbs appear in late spring, giving way to blue-black, berry-like drupes highly attractive to wildlife. Native Americans historically utilized the straight stems of this species for crafting arrow shafts, which inspired its common name.

Tolerances

• Clay Soil
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

The Viburnum dentatum generally suffers from few serious insect or disease issues, which contributes to its low-maintenance status. Gardeners should remain vigilant for occasional infestations of whiteflies, especially in hot, dry conditions or in intensely crowded plantings. Routine scouting and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, if necessary, should manage these sporadic pests without long-term damage to the shrub.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Arrowwood viburnum suitable for?

The Arrowwood viburnum is exceptionally winter hardy and is suitable for planting across USDA Zones 2 through 8.

How large does Viburnum dentatum grow?

This deciduous shrub typically matures to a height ranging between 6 and 10 feet, with an equal spread of 6 to 10 feet, providing substantial coverage.

When does Arrowwood viburnum bloom?

Viburnum dentatum produces its characteristic clusters of white flowers beginning in late spring, usually blooming consistently between May and June.

Wildlife Benefits

This particular native species offers substantial benefits specifically to non-human residents of the garden. The late spring bloom provides essential nectar and pollen for emerging spring pollinators, though the flowers themselves are non-fragrant. More famously, the resulting blue-black drupes (fruits) ripen in late summer and persist into fall, serving as a critical food source for a wide variety of native birds. Planting Viburnum dentatum is a simple yet effective way to increase biodiversity in your landscape.

Design Ideas for Mass Planting

The uniform size and dense habit of Arrowwood viburnum make it an excellent candidate for structured planting designs. For tall, resilient hedges, stagger plantings 5 to 6 feet apart on center, allowing the shrubs to grow into a solid screen that offers year-round visual impact. In naturalistic gardens, place Viburnum dentatum slightly behind shorter native grasses or woodland edge perennials, where its sturdy form supports the overall composition. Its tolerance for clay soil also makes it a forgiving choice for transition zones between lawns and wilder areas.

Conclusion

The Viburnum dentatum, or Arrowwood viburnum, stands out as a robust, adaptable, and rewarding native shrub favored for its winter hardiness and crucial wildlife support. Offering appealing texture, simple white flowers, and enduring fruit, it proves that low maintenance does not mean low impact. Before planting, confirm that your garden falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 8 and enjoys at least partial sun exposure.