The maple leaf viburnum (viburnum acerifolium) is usually referred to as the Dockmackie, or the arrowhead. It is a perennial shrub that is a part of the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) family. It serves many a purpose to landscapers, cooks for their culinary needs, and for medical problems. To birds it provides a place to rest and nourishment from the fruit it produces. Even the leaves, twigs, and bark serve their purpose to deer, moose, and rabbits as food. Be sure when you are near it, that it does not contain a beehive or two since it is known to attract them. On the brighter side it also attracts butterflies. The tree is the nectar source for the Spring Azure (Celastrina "ladon").
Red, shiny berry fruits that turn dark purple to black grow on the branches throughout the shrub. They remain on the tree through the winter. This is one of the most attractive shrubs due to its color change in the leaves through the seasons. In fall the leaves are purple-pink, red, and orange. This is the main reason in which they are planted, as are the wonderful sites its flowers throw off. When they bloom in April until July, they are white with inch heads, and are 1 to 3 inches wide. In about two years when they have matured, they will start to produce seeds every year.
You will see these plants mostly in wooded areas, such as the northeastern and southern parts of the United States, and Mexico on hillsides and slopes. They usually form large colonies. When you get ready to plant it can use moist soil, although dry soil and a lot of shade will make it grow the best. Water regularly, but try to avoid over watering. For proper propagation, you will need to gather up some of the dark-blue to black fruit, and store them where the temperature is about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and making sure you brought along the pulp as well. For the seeds to open up they need what is called "stratification sequences" which is when it keeps switching from warm to cold resulting in them being able to crack.
The viaurnum leaf beetle (pyrrhaita viburni), which originally came from Europe and Asia, tends to attack the leaves and cause defoliation. The adult and larva together both feed, and if it does not get taken care of, within two to three years it could manage to kill off the whole tree. If you happen to see over-wintering egg sites, you can easily treat it by simply pruning the affected wood, making sure to destroy the eggs preventing hatching from occurring.
At the Tennessee Nursery , you can order this specific tree and many more. We have so much to choose from including other types of perennials, more berry plants, many different types of shrubs. At our wetlands site you can find native grasses, shrubs and a variety of trees. We offer low wholesale pricing on everything. So come take a virtual tour and submit your order with us today.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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