Arrowwood Viburnum and its closely related species, varieties, and hybrids are scattered throughout Ohio, although not as abundant in the northwestern quadrant of the state. Its national distribution encompasses the entire eastern half of the United States and southern Canada.
Its common name comes from the usage of its "straight as an arrow" basal shoots by the Native Americans as shafts on which to set spear points and arrowheads. It is the last of the native Viburnums to bloom, in mid- to late spring.
By mid- to late summer, its blue-black berries adorn the top of its rounded to arching canopy, to the delight of birds that quickly consume the fruits.
Arrowwood Viburnum reaches 10 feet tall by 15 feet wide when found in the open. As a member of the Honeysuckle Family, it is related to the Honeysuckles, Elderberries, Weigelas, and the multitude of other Viburnums.
Planting Requirements - Arrowwood Viburnum prefers moist, well-drained soils of rich or average composition and of variable pH, but adapts readily to poor, rocky, clay soils that are at times moderately drained, while at other times bone dry. It tolerates the heat of summer and cold of winter extremely well. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, and is found in zones 3 to 8.
Potential Problems - Arrowwood Viburnum is virtually disease and pest free. However, its widely arching growth habit with age, coupled with its abundance of basal suckers that are constantly arising near the base of the shrub, require maintenance in gardens with restricted space.