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Description
Viburnum Acerifolium, also known as Mapleleaf Viburnum, is a deciduous shrub that is native to the eastern United States. It belongs to the Adoxaceae family and is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and showy flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Genus | Viburnum |
Appearance
The Mapleleaf Viburnum can grow up to 6 feet in height and spread up to 8 feet. It has dark green leaves that are three-lobed and resemble the shape of a maple leaf, hence the name. The flowers are white, small and clustered together, blooming in late spring to early summer, and give way to blue-black drupes in the fall. The overall appearance of the plant is compact and rounded.
Care Guide
The Viburnum Acerifolium thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers partial to full shade and can tolerate drought conditions once established. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots. After that, it can tolerate some drought conditions.
- Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
- Soil: The Mapleleaf Viburnum prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 5.5 to 7.5.
- Sunlight: It prefers partial to full shade but can tolerate some sun exposure.
- Hardiness Zones: It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Viburnum Acerifolium is relatively pest and disease resistant, but here are a few things to watch out for:
- Aphids: Aphids can cause leaf curling and distortion.
- Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing of leaves and the presence of a sticky residue.
- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on leaves.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on leaves.
Habitat
The Viburnum Acerifolium is native to the eastern United States and can be found growing in woodlands, thickets, and along the edges of forests.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Mapleleaf Viburnum grow in full sun?
A: While it prefers partial to full shade, it can tolerate some sun exposure.
Q: When is the best time to fertilize the Viburnum Acerifolium?
A: Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
Q: How often should I water the Mapleleaf Viburnum?
A: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots. After that, it can tolerate some drought conditions.
Q: What is the ideal pH for soil for the Viburnum Acerifolium?
A: It prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 5.5 to 7.5.
Related Plants
- Viburnum Opulus
- Viburnum Plicatum
- Viburnum Tinus
- Viburnum Carlesii
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Champaign, Ill: Stipes Pub. LLC.
- Hilty, J. (n.d.). Maple-leaved Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium). Retrieved from Illinois Wildflowers website: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/ml_viburnum.htm
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Viburnum acerifolium. Retrieved from Missouri Botanical Garden website: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c700
