linden viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Linden viburnum is a shrub native to East Asia, with flat clusters of white flowers in late spring and bright red fruit. In parts of the eastern United States, it has escaped from gardens and spread into woods and other natural areas.

Appearance

Growth form: This branching deciduous shrub grows to about 10 ft (3 m) tall.
Leaves: The opposite leaves are broadly oval, finely toothed, and hairy on both surfaces, so they can feel rough.
Flowers: Small creamy-white flowers form flat clusters in late spring.
Fruit: The flowers are followed by small, oval, bright red .
Seasonal forms: Leaves may turn red or purple in fall. In New Jersey, the red fruit can remain into early winter.

Look-alikes

southern arrowwoodViburnum dentatum

Linden viburnum has softly hairy young twigs and leaves, with bright red fall fruit. Southern arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum) has less fuzzy, more deeply toothed leaves and dark purple to black fruit.

Why they get mixed upBoth have toothed leaves and similar white flower clusters.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: woodland edges
thickets
landscaped sites
Range: Native to East Asia, it is established in parts of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic, including New Jersey and New York. Delaware lists it as an invasive plant.
Preferred conditions: In the United States it can move from ornamental plantings into woods and other natural areas.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms: Cultivated plants can bear yellow rather than red fruit.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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