Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood Viburnum)

A confirmed deer-resistant, winter-hardy generalist named for the straight shoots historically used to craft arrows, arrowwood viburnum is a documented larval host plant that provides nectar for native bees and food and shelter for birds - genuinely adaptable across moist to well-drained soils from forests to parking lot plantings.

Species Overview

Viburnum dentatum, or arrowwood viburnum, is a versatile deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, typically growing 6 to 12 feet tall. Flat-topped clusters of creamy-white flowers bloom in late spring, followed by dark blue-black berries, with glossy green foliage turning yellow, orange, or red in fall.

Application

• Hedge, screen, and mass planting - vigorous, sturdy growth
• Deer-pressured sites - confirmed deer resistant
• Larval host and native bee nectar habitat
• Streamside, pond-edge, and parking-lot restoration plantings

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist to well-drained soils; wide adaptability including wet sites
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Mature Height: 8-15 ft.
• Fall Color: Yellow, Orange, Red
• Bloom Color / Period: White; May-June
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - A moist thicket and wetland-margin shrub tolerant of periodically wet soil.
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed/Thicket-forming - suckering
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• Straight, slender branches were historically used by Indigenous peoples to make arrow shafts, giving the species its common name. Winter-hardy to USDA zone 2; watch for viburnum leaf beetle, which can defoliate stressed plants.