Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

Black, Red

 

Fruit Season

Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full, Half, Shade

 

Water

Low, Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

Wayfaringtree is a deciduous viburnum with an upright, rounded though erect, multi-stemmed habit, growing to 10 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. It has large, simple softly grey-green leaves that are sort of crinkly above and fuzzy underneath. Fall color is purplish-brown, with leaves persisting well into the fall. White flowers form clusters in May, and are followed by berries that ripen in late summer to fall, from red to blue-black. Berries are greatly enjoyed by birds. Bark is a warm grey, and though possessing no special attributes, is has a lovely winter silhouette and its density provides some winter screening. 'Mohican' is a commonly available cultivar growing 8 to 10 feet tall and slightly narrower, though have seen it taller.

Grow in well drained soil in full sun to part shade, though it will grow on the north side of a building if it receives some summer sun. Is very adaptive to soil types, including compacted soils, clay soils, and poor soils; will grow in dry shade areas. Tolerant of higher pH than is typical of viburnum (probably comparable to V. rhytidophylloides). slowly suckering habit makes it useful for moderate erosion control. Attracts birds and butterflies. Is sometimes bothered with leaf spot disease, though this can usually be avoided by not over watering and not overhead-watering. A tough, durable, and attractive shrub.