Family: Viburnaceae
Author: Thunb.
Bibliography: Trans. Linn. Soc. 2: 332 (1794)
Year: 1794
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Viburnum
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & S. China, Japan to Taiwan
Description
The Japanese snowball, known scientifically as Viburnum plicatum, is a captivating deciduous shrub renowned for its stunning floral display and graceful form. Originally described by Thunberg in Trans. Linn. Soc. in 1794, this plant is celebrated for its impressive globular clusters of white flowers that appear to float like snowballs among its broad, pleated leaves.
Native to East Asia, the Japanese snowball thrives across regions in C. & S. China, extending through Japan and reaching as far as Taiwan. It belongs to the Viburnaceae family, a diverse group of plants known for their ornamental appeal and robust nature.
The shrub typically blooms in mid to late spring, producing abundant, showy inflorescences that can transform any garden landscape into a picturesque scene. These flowers attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the ecological balance within its habitat.
Beyond its blooming period, Viburnum plicatum continues to offer visual interest. Its lush, deeply veined leaves turn into shades of purple, red, and bronze in the autumn, providing a spectacular fall display. This hardy plant is not only admired for its floral beauty but also its vibrant foliage and elegant form.
Whether planted as a single specimen or in groupings for a more dramatic effect, the Japanese snowball adds a touch of elegance and charm to gardens and landscapes. Its adaptability and resilience make it a favorite among gardeners and horticulturists alike.
Common Names
Eng: japanese snowball
Dan: japansk snebolle
Swe: japansk snöbollsbuske
En: Japanese snowball
Zh: 粉团
Cs: Kalina řasnatá
Da: Japansk snebolle
Fa: گلوله برفی ژاپنی
Sv: Japansk snöbollsbuske
Zh-hant: 粉團
Synonyms
- Viburnum tomentosum var. plicatum ((Thunb.) Maxim.)
Distribution
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Japan (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Delaware (introduced)
- District of Columbia (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken May 16, 2020 by Wouter (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2022 by G. Tisserand (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2021 by Benoît Lignereux (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2020 by Marlies Marlies (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Ája Ája (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2020 by Gary Mr (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 11, 2016 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2020 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 11, 2022 by Rvt 063 (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2022 by jeremie julie (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Boris Debourg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2020 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 15, 2018 by Georges Gonon-guillermas (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 16, 2021 by diane dodge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2021 by diane dodge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2021 by diane dodge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2020 by Dan d’Auge (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 19, 2022 by André Hyvrier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Tommy Otis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 27, 2021 by G Bart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by patricia kortekaas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Tristan Bellier (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 23, 2021 by James Doud (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2021 by Javier Polancos (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2021 by franz eduard (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2020 by Baptiste Cordier (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888622)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:149876-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viburnum plicatum Thunb.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub