Contents
Description
Viburnum Rafinesquianum, commonly known as the downy arrowwood, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. It is native to eastern North America and can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The shrub has a rounded shape and produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers in the spring. These flowers are followed by blue-black berries that attract birds and other wildlife.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Genus | Viburnum |
Appearance
The downy arrowwood has oval-shaped leaves that are dark green on the top and lighter green on the bottom. The leaves are 2-4 inches long and have a slightly serrated edge. In the fall, the leaves turn a reddish-purple color. The shrub’s bark is gray-brown and has a slightly rough texture. The downy arrowwood’s flowers are small and white, and they grow in clusters that are 2-4 inches wide. The flowers give way to blue-black berries that are approximately 1/4 inch in diameter.
Care Guide
To care for Viburnum Rafinesquianum, it is important to provide the shrub with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and to select the appropriate hardiness zone. The shrub prefers moist, well-draining soil and full to partial sun exposure. It is hardy in zones 5-9. Water: The downy arrowwood prefers moist soil, but it can be tolerant of drought conditions once established. Water the shrub deeply once a week during dry spells.Fertilization: Fertilize the shrub in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat this process in the summer if necessary.Soil: The downy arrowwood prefers moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.Sunlight: The shrub prefers full to partial sun exposure.Hardiness Zones: The downy arrowwood is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The downy arrowwood is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including leaf spot, powdery mildew, and aphids. Leaf spot causes black spots to appear on the shrub’s leaves, while powdery mildew causes a white powdery substance to appear on the leaves. Aphids are small insects that feed on the shrub’s sap. To prevent these issues, it is important to keep the shrub healthy by providing adequate water, fertilization, and soil. Insecticidal soap can be used to control aphids.
Habitat
Viburnum Rafinesquianum is native to eastern North America and can be found in wetlands, forests, and along stream banks. The shrub prefers moist soil and full to partial sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall can Viburnum Rafinesquianum grow?
A: Viburnum Rafinesquianum can grow up to 10 feet tall.
Q: What do the downy arrowwood’s flowers look like?
A: The shrub’s flowers are small and creamy-white, and they grow in clusters that are 2-4 inches wide.
Q: What kind of soil does the downy arrowwood prefer?
A: The downy arrowwood prefers moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
Q: What pests can affect Viburnum Rafinesquianum?
A: The shrub is susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and aphids.
Related Plants
Some related plants to Viburnum Rafinesquianum include:
- Viburnum dentatum (Southern arrowwood)
- Viburnum lantana (Wayfaring tree)
- Viburnum opulus (European cranberrybush)
- Viburnum prunifolium (Blackhaw viburnum)
References
- “Viburnum Rafinesquianum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 10, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286993.
- “Plant Database.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed October 10, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=VIRA6.
- “Downy Arrowwood.” Clemson University. Accessed October 10, 2021. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/downy-arrowwood/.
