Viburnum acerifolium
Maple Leaf Viburnum
General
Thicket-forming shrub with a preference for dry, shady upland areas. A source of food for a variety of creatures, including small mammals, deer, and birds, and also provides shelter for smaller critters.
Plant Description
Medium sized shrub with leaves that strongly resemble those of a Maple Tree. Small clusters of white flowers and dark blue, almost black berries in fall. Leaves turn color in the fall, mostly resembling coloration of a maple tree, sometimes almost pink in color.
Height (ft)
4-6
Soil moisture
Dry
Soil types
Varied, Tolerant of Acidic
Wetland indicator
UPL
Shade tolerance
Tolerant, Prefers Shade
Bloom color
White
Bloom period
Summer
Fall conspicuous
Yes
Anaerobic tolerance
None
Drought tolerance
High
Salinity tolerance
None
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Northeastern United States, continuing North into Canada from Maine, New York, and Michigan, and extending southwest along the Appalachian mountain range, and northwest along the great lakes. Also common along the Texas/Louisiana border.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, an infusion of this species has been used to treat ongoing spasms, a compound infusion has been used to treat fevers, root bark taken as a tonic, decoction of inner bark for stomach cramps, and a poultice for pain caused by "witchcraft."