Leatherleaf viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 23: 355 (1888))

Family: Viburnaceae

Author: Hemsl.

Bibliography: J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 23: 355 (1888)

Year: 1888

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viburnum

Vegetable: False

Observations: SC. China (to S. Shaanxi)

Description

Leatherleaf viburnum, scientifically known as Viburnum rhytidophyllum, is a distinguished member of the Viburnaceae family. This robust plant hails from the scenic regions of south-central China, extending to the southern parts of Shaanxi. First described in 1888 by the eminent botanist Hemsl. in the Journal of the Linnean Society, Botany (Vol. 23, p. 355), Leatherleaf viburnum has since become a favored choice among gardeners and horticulturists worldwide.

One of the defining characteristics of Leatherleaf viburnum is its resilience and adaptability, making it a versatile addition to various landscapes. The plant is renowned for its leathery leaves, which contribute to its common name. These leaves are large, deeply veined, and have a distinct texture that provides year-round interest. The dark green foliage maintains its robust appearance throughout the growing season, only slightly dimming in color as winter approaches.

During spring, Leatherleaf viburnum produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers. These blossoms are not only visually appealing but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity. Following the flowering period, the plant bears fruit in the form of red drupes, which mature to a dark black color by late summer. These fruits offer nourishment to birds and other wildlife, integrating the plant seamlessly into the natural ecosystem.

Leatherleaf viburnum typically thrives in well-drained soils, preferring locations that provide partial to full sunlight. However, it is tolerant of a range of conditions, including periods of drought and various soil types, which makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add durable yet attractive vegetation to their spaces.

Given its aesthetic appeal and minimal maintenance requirements, Leatherleaf viburnum is often utilized in landscape design for hedges, privacy screens, and background plantings. Its dense, evergreen foliage provides an excellent natural barrier, ensuring privacy while adding structural beauty to gardens and walkways.

Overall, Viburnum rhytidophyllum is more than just a decorative plant; it is a testament to nature’s resilience and enduring beauty. Its rich botanical heritage and ecological benefits make it a valuable addition to both cultivated gardens and natural landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: leatherleaf arrowwood, leatherleaf viburnum, wayfaring-bush, wrinkled viburnum
Deu: runzelblatt-schneeball, runzelblättriger schneeball
Dan: rynkeblad
Fra: viorne
Swe: rynkolvon
Hun: ráncoslevelű bangita
Cym: gwifwrnwydd crych, gwifwrnwydden grech, gwifwrnwydden grychog
En: Leatherleaf viburnum, Wrinkled viburnum, Wayfaring-bush, Leatherleaf arrowwood
Zh: 皱叶荚蒾
Cs: Kalina svraskalá
Da: Rynkeblad
Eo: Sulketfolia viburno
Fr: Viorne
De: Runzelblättriger Schneeball, Runzelblatt-Schneeball
Hu: Ráncoslevelű bangita
Pl: Kalina sztywnolistna
Sr: Удика набораног листа
Sv: Rynkolvon
Cy: Gwifwrnwydden grech, Gwifwrnwydd Crych, Gwifwrnwydden Grychog

Synonyms

• Viburnum rhytidophyllum f. roseum ((Anon.) Rehder)
• Viburnum rhytidophyllum roseum (Anon.)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 26, 2022 by anna Pittnerová (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2022 by Ritvika Singh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2022 by Christian150 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2016 by santiago uriarte (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 25, 2021 by Olivier Fel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2021 by antonio (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 8, 2009 by EOL − Tamara Horová (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 15, 2021 by Emma Wu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Oğuzhan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2021 by antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2020 by Rusudan Bregadze (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 11, 2022 by Plant Nation (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2021 by Jessi Fails (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Oğuzhan (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 2, 2020 by Séverine Rudloff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2018 by Richard Frenák (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 26, 2021 by Mozpy Jojo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by zmei (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Rober Steve (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2022 by Eszter Elek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2016 by santiago uriarte (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888625)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:149902-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viburnum rhytidophyllum Hemsl.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth