Mapleleaf Viburnum
Viburnum acerifolium
Also listed as Viburnum densiflorum, Viburnum involucratum
Also known as Maple-leaf Arrowwood, Dockmackie
Climate Match for your location
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A native woodland shrub prized for its distinctive three-lobed maple-like leaves that turn wine-red in fall. It produces small white flowers in spring followed by blue-black berries that attract birds.
Why grow it
Mapleleaf viburnum offers reliable four-season interest in woodland and shade garden settings where many ornamental shrubs struggle. Unlike some viburnums that prefer full sun, this species thrives under tree canopy, making it useful for underplanting in established forests or as a native alternative to non-native shade shrubs. Its distinctive lobed foliage and reliable bird-attracting fruit distinguish it from smooth-leaved viburnums in the same ecological niche.
Watch out for
This shrub performs best in consistently moist, well-draining soil and may decline in prolonged drought without supplemental water during establishment. Dense branching can trap fallen leaves and debris, so light pruning or cleanup may be needed in high-maintenance landscapes. Growth can be slow in the first few years, requiring patience before the plant reaches landscape-scale impact.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Viburnaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native woodland shrub prized for its distinctive three-lobed maple-like leaves that turn wine-red in fall. It produces small white flowers in spring followed by blue-black berries that attract birds.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Mapleleaf Viburnum grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Mapleleaf viburnum offers reliable four-season interest in woodland and shade garden settings where many ornamental shrubs struggle. Unlike some viburnums that prefer full sun, this species thrives under tree canopy, making it useful for underplanting in established forests or as a native alternative to non-native shade shrubs. Its distinctive lobed foliage and reliable bird-attracting fruit distinguish it from smooth-leaved viburnums in the same ecological niche.
Watch out for
This shrub performs best in consistently moist, well-draining soil and may decline in prolonged drought without supplemental water during establishment. Dense branching can trap fallen leaves and debris, so light pruning or cleanup may be needed in high-maintenance landscapes. Growth can be slow in the first few years, requiring patience before the plant reaches landscape-scale impact.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Viburnaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
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