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Native Plant Recommendations: Arrowwood Vibernum

Updated: Mar 10, 2020


The arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) is a very important plant for migratory birds. In fact, it tops the list in recent research in terms of providing the right nutrition at the right time for birds to fuel their fall migrations. A native of South Central PA as well as most Eastern states, the arrowwood got its name from it's use as arrow shafts by Native Americans. It has white flowers in spring, and dark blue fruit in September and October. It likes part shade to sunny areas, and prefers slightly moist soil, but will tolerate dryer conditions. It will grow to 6-10' tall and wide. Check out some great arrowwood pics from @kansasgardener here: https://www.instagram.com/p/B743EzpA0K2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Other viburnum species native to South Central PA are Viburnum acerfolium (mapleleaf viburnum), V. nudum (Witherod viburnum), V. prunifolium (Blackhaw viburnum), V. recognitum (southern arrowood), and V. trilobum (American cranberry). These species will vary in size, berry color, and fall color, but they all have white flowers. Sources: "Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines of SC PA" - Susan Skender Speach on songbirds by Susan Smith Pagano, 2019 CCLC Conference "Dirr's Encyclopedia of Trees & Shrubs" - Michael Dirr 📸: USDA-NRCS Plants Database



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