Maple-leaf Viburnum

(Viburnum acerifolium)

Maple-leaf viburnum has leaves that closely resemble those of a red maple tree. But maple-leaf viburnum is a shrub, not a tree. It only grows to about 6 feet tall. It is native to the U.S., and is a member of the honeysuckle family.

Viburnum leaves are 2 to 5 inches wide and have 3 lobes. They are slightly hairy. They turn purplish-pink in the fall.

Its flowers are small and white and grow in clusters. In the summer, viburnum produces small green berry-like drupes, which ripen to dark purple in the fall. The drupes are slightly flattened. The fruit is eaten by deer, mice, rabbits, skunks, and a variety of birds.

Viburnum stalks grow straight and long. They were sometimes used by prehistoric people to make arrow shafts. Another name for this plant is arrow-wood.

Drupes in summer

Drupes in September

Leaves in October

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