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. More information on Viburnum .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
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
Mature size
Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in. | Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Rounded
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Gold/Yellow; Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Ovate
Leaf margin
Dentate; Lobed
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
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.
Fall color
Orange; Pink; Purple/Lavender
Flower color
Cream/Tan; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Panicle
Flower shape
Tubular
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
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.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Black; Blue
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit value
Showy
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
1/4 inch long berries ripen to bluish-black from August to October. The fruits may persist into winter.
Bark color
Dark Gray
Bark detail
The bark of the trunk and larger branches is gray and slightly rough.
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Gray/Silver
Stem detail
The bark of younger stems is smooth and grayish brown.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
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
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.
Attracts
Bees; Butterflies; Pollinators; Small Mammals; Songbirds