Downy leaf Arrow Wood 

Downy leaf Arrow Wood

Rafinesque’s Viburnum
Viburnum rafinesqueanum

Limited Quantities

A beautiful native woodland shrub, Rafinesque’s Viburnum is a lesser-known species of rich forests, woodland edges, and naturalized landscapes. It develops a rounded, multi-stemmed form with attractive dark green foliage and clusters of small creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers are an important resource for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.

As the season progresses, the flowers develop into clusters of berries that mature through shades of red to dark blue-black. These fruits provide valuable late-season food for birds and other wildlife. The dense branching structure also provides cover and nesting habitat within the woodland understory.

Rafinesque’s Viburnum is an excellent choice for ecological restoration and native woodland gardens, particularly where a diverse shrub layer is desired. Its understated beauty and wildlife value make it a wonderful alternative to more commonly planted ornamental viburnums.

Growing Conditions

Height: 6–12 ft
Spread: 5–10 ft
Light: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained woodland soils; adaptable to a range of conditions
Hardiness: Zone 3–8
Growth Rate: Moderate
Prefers fertile soils and woodland-edge conditions
Ideal for woodland gardens, hedgerows, forest edges, and naturalized restoration plantings.

Ecological Value

• Spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Fruits provide an important late-season food source for birds and other wildlife.
• Dense branching provides nesting and protective cover for songbirds and small mammals.
• Supports a diverse community of native insects.
• Adds an important native shrub layer to mature woodland ecosystems.

Larval Host Plant For

Supports the larvae of several native moth species and is associated with Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon) and other woodland butterflies.

Companion Species

American Basswood (Tilia americana)
White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)
Wild Leek (Allium tricoccum)
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Cutleaf Toothwort (Cardamine concatenata)
American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa)
Starry False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum stellatum)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

1 Gallon Pots