Wayfarer

(Viburnum lantana)

Wayfarer (Viburnum lantana)

Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Kenraiz | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Viburnum_lantana_kz06.jpg | Notes: {{Information |description={{en|common ivy (''Hedera helix'')}} |date=2021-12-05 |source=https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/171436403 |author=[https://www.inaturalist.org/users/3599717 Michel Langeveld] |permission= |other versions= }} {{Location|52.277

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Viburnum lantana, commonly known as Wayfarer or Wayfaring Tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and hedgerows across Europe, extending to Yorkshire in England, northwest Africa, and southwestern Asia. It typically grows to 4–5 m (13–16 ft) tall and is often found in its native range along waysides, where it contributes to the ecological diversity by providing food and shelter for wildlife.

The Wayfarer features small, creamy-white hermaphrodite flowers, around 5 mm (0.20 in) in diameter, arranged in dense cymes 4–10 cm (1.6–3.9 in) wide at the top of the stems. Flowering occurs in early summer and the blooms are pollinated by insects. The plant is also notable for its fruit, an oblong drupe that turns from green to red and finally black upon maturity, each containing a single seed. Birds are attracted to the fruit and play a role in seed dispersal. The Wayfarer is valued in cultivation for its attractive flowers, lush foliage, and berries. It is often used for hedging, border planting, and as a specimen in gardens, particularly suited for alkaline soils. Cultivars such as ’Aureum’, with its yellow spring leaves, add variety to the garden palette. For optimal growth, it requires full sun to part shade, high amounts of water, and well-drained soils. While generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to pests like viburnum beetle and diseases such as leaf spot.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Height: 10-15 feet
Width: 10-15 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and hedgerows across Europe, extending to Yorkshire in England, northwest Africa, and southwestern Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Bending Wayfaring Tree, Twistwood, Wayfaring Tree, Wayfaring Viburnum, Wayfaring-Tree, Waygfaring-Tree, Mealytree, Gwifwrnwydden, Wolliger Schneeball, Viorne Mancienne

Scientific Names: , Viburnum lantana, Viburnum farinosum, Viburnum lantana var. lantana, Viburnum lantana var. glabratum, Viburnum aragonense, Viburnum lantana f. vitesiensis, Viburnum lantana f. vitosiensis, Viburnum lantana subsp. sphaerocarpum, Viburnum lantana var. europaeum

GBIF Accepted Name: Viburnum lantana L.