Family: Viburnaceae
Author: Fernald
Bibliography: Rhodora 43: 647 (1941)
Year: 1941
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Viburnum
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Northern arrow-wood, with its scientific name Viburnum recognitum, is a member of the Viburnaceae family. This versatile and resilient plant thrives across a wide geographical range, stretching from Eastern Canada to the Central and Eastern regions of the United States.
Known for its adaptability, Northern arrow-wood flourishes in a variety of habitats, often found in moist woodland environments, forest edges, and along stream banks. This shrub is an integral part of its ecosystem, contributing both to the aesthetic value of natural landscapes and to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.
Northern arrow-wood typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 feet, showcasing creamy white, flat-topped clusters of flowers during its blooming season. These blossoms are not only attractive but also serve as a vital nectar source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following the flowering period, the plant produces bluish-black drupes that provide nourishment for various bird species, making it an essential food source in late summer and early fall.
The foliage of Viburnum recognitum turns a striking reddish-purple in autumn, adding vibrant hues to the fall landscape. The plant’s arrow-straight stems, which give it its common name, have historically been used by native peoples in crafting arrows, showcasing its cultural significance and utility.
Northern arrow-wood is also valued in horticulture for its durability and ease of care. It tolerates a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it can withstand both full sun and partial shade conditions. These characteristics make it a popular choice for conservation projects, naturalized gardens, and as a hedge or buffer plant in residential landscapes.
First described in a publication by Fernald in Rhodora in 1941, Viburnum recognitum continues to be a subject of interest for botanists and gardeners alike, celebrated for its ecological benefits, historical uses, and striking seasonal transformations. This plant’s enduring presence across a wide swath of North America attests to its adaptability and the crucial role it plays in supporting wildlife and enriching natural habitats.
Common Names
Eng: northern arrow-wood, southern arrowwood
Fra: viorne litigieuse
En: Northern arrow-wood, Southern arrowwood
Fr: Viorne litigieuse
Synonyms
- Viburnum dentatum var. lucidum (Aiton)
- Viburnum ashei (Bush)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 28, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 28, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Angela Stephens (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 9, 2020 by Christopher (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Angela Stephens (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2020 by Valerie Barbin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2022 by sue sides (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 2, 2020 by Зобенко Андрей (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
Taken May 28, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 28, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Valerie Hollett (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 28, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 28, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken May 28, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 7, 2016 by EOL − owenclarkin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − McDowell, L.C. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6369733)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:293942-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viburnum recognitum Fernald)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree