Native to grasslands, woodlands, marshes, swamps and shores of rivers and lakes from Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Texas, this deciduous shrub is a member of the moschatel family, Adoxaceae, that also includes elders. It grows 5-10′ tall and wide, and has ovate leaves that are 2-4″ long and have coarsely toothed margins. The leaves are yellow to dark green on the upper side and pale green with prominent veins on the lower side, but in the fall turn dull yellow to attractive orange or red, depending on the plant. In spring the plants produce 4″ wide flat-topped flowerheads of creamy white bell-shaped flowers. Each flower is 1/4″ across and has 5 petals and extruded stamens with yellow anthers. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. In late summer to early fall bluish-black fruits appear that are attractive to birds. Fruit set requires more than one genetic strain. Arrowhead tolerates a variety of soil and pH types and can be used along a stream, pond or bog, as a specimen, foundation shrub, screen or hedge, and in a wildlife, butterfly, or native plant garden. The genus name, Viburnum, is the ancient Latin name for one species of the genus. The specific epithet, dentata, comes from the Latin word dens, meaning tooth, and refers to the toothed margins of the leaves.
Type: Deciduous shrub
Outstanding Feature: Fall coloration
Form: Rounded
Growth Rate: Medium
Bloom: Four inch wide clusters of small white flowers in spring
Size: 5-10′ H x 5-10′ W
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Average, moist, well-drained; tolerant of less
Hardiness: Zones 2-8
Care: Prune immediately after flowering when necessary.
Pests and Diseases: White flies
Propagation: Stem cuttings, layering
Outstanding Selections:
‘CA Hildebrants’
‘Chicago Luster’
‘Moonglow’
Karen Meyers