Viburnum acerifolium
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- vih-BUR-num a-ser-ih-FOH-lee-um
- Description
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Mapleleaf viburnum is a native deciduous suckering shrub found in eastern and central USA and the Piedmont and mountains of NC. This shrub is more shade tolerant than most viburnums and is found as an understory plant in moist to dry woodland settings. The attractive clusters of white flowers occur late spring to summer and are followed by clusters of berry-like drupes that are eaten by birds. In fall the foliage turns shades of red, pink, or purple for added interest. The species name refers to the leaves being similar in shape to maples.
Mapleleaf viburnum prefers partial shade in moist acidic well-drained soils. It is drought tolerant once established. Use this shrub in borders, hedges, as a foundation plant or it will naturalize in woodland settings.
More than one genetic strain is needed for good fruit set. This means the plant needs to be cross-pollinated with another viburnum plant that is not an exact clone if you would like to enjoy the beautiful fall berries.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a Factsheet on common pests and diseases.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Viburnum
- Species:
- acerifolium
- Family:
- Viburnaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Root Cutting
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern North America
- Distribution:
- AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV Canada: NB , ON , QC
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- It is a potential host plant for the Spring Azure butterfly. Its fruits are eaten by songbirds, grouse, wild turkeys, and squirrels. The twigs and leaves are browsed by white-tailed deer.
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Fire in the landscape. Resistant to heat, drought, and soil compaction.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Blue
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- 1/4 inch long berries ripen to bluish-black from August to October. The fruits may persist into winter.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Tubular
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Tiny creamy-white flowers bloom from April to June on long-stalked, flat-topped panicles up to 3 inches across in mid to late spring. Individual blooms are 1/4 inch across with 5 strongly exerted stamens.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Orange
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Dentate
- Lobed
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are 2-5 inch-long dull to medium green maple-like leaves which are ovate to rounded and three-lobed. The lower surface is pale green with hairs.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Gray
- Bark Description:
- The bark of the trunk and larger branches is gray and slightly rough.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gray/Silver
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- The bark of younger stems is smooth and grayish brown.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Foundation Planting
- Hedge
- Screen/Privacy
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Fire
