Southern Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum)

Southern Arrowwood

(Viburnum dentatum)

Tyler Ekholm

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Tyler Ekholm

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Viburnum dentatum, commonly known as Southern Arrowwood, is a deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats including moist lowlands, forest edges, and along streams in the Eastern United States. It typically grows 6 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide, with a rounded form. The leaves are simple, ovate to oblong, and coarsely toothed, turning attractive shades of yellow to red in the fall. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces clusters of small, creamy white flowers that are quite showy and attract pollinators. The flowers give way to blue-black berry-like drupes that are popular with birds and other wildlife.

Southern Arrowwood is valued for its adaptability to a range of soil types and conditions, from wet to dry, and its ability to thrive in both full sun and part shade. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as a hedge or in rain gardens due to its tolerance of wet soils. The plant is relatively low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems. Gardeners may also select this shrub for its wildlife value, as the berries provide food for birds and the flowers attract butterflies.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 6-10 feet
Width: 6-10 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Moist lowlands, forest edges, and along streams in the Eastern United States

Other Names

Common Names: Arrow-Wood , Arrowwood Viburnum , Southern Arrow Wood , Roughish Arrowwood , Tandolvon

Scientific Names: Viburnum dentatum , Viburnum dentatum var. pubescens , Viburnum scabrellum , Viburnum dentatum var. dentatum , Viburnum pubescens , Viburnum dentatum var. scabrellum , Viburnum pubescens var. canbyi , Viburnum semitomentosum , Viburnum scabrellum var. ashei , Viburnum dentatum var. semitomentosum

GBIF Accepted Name: Viburnum dentatum L.