Does it need full sun?

No, it actually prefers partial to full shade.

Is it deer resistant?

It has moderate resistance to deer browsing.

Plant guide

Mapleleaf viburnum.

Viburnum acerifolium

Pronounced vy-BUR-num ay-ser-ih-FOH-lee-um

Also known as Arrow-wood, Dockmackie, Mapleleaf Viburnum, Possum Haw, maple-leaved arrowwood, maple-leaved viburnum, possom haw

The mapleleaf viburnum is a charming native shrub that brings seasonal interest to woodland gardens. It features lovely maple shaped leaves and produces delicate white flowers in the spring. You will enjoy its vibrant fall color and dark berries that attract local birds.

Another photo of Mapleleaf viburnum — Photo by Jake McCumber (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 6 feet
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

This shrub thrives in well draining soil and appreciates a layer of mulch to keep its roots cool. Watch for wilting during dry spells, as it prefers consistent moisture while establishing. It is quite hardy and needs little fuss once it settles into your garden.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the first year.
Feeding: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer once in early spring.
Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering if you need to shape the shrub.
Repotting: This plant is best suited for the ground rather than containers.
Soil: Well draining, acidic to neutral soil
Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.0
Temperature: -30 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes
Stunted growth despite proper care

Safety

People: There are no significant reports of human toxicity for this species.
Children: The berries may pose a minor choking hazard to small children if ingested in large quantities.
Contact allergens: Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from handling the foliage.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may cause mild reactions in sensitive individuals during the flowering season.
Edibility: The berries are generally considered non-toxic but are not typically consumed by humans due to poor flavor.

How to identify it

Leaves resemble maple tree foliage
Small white flower clusters in spring
Dark blue to black fall berries
Opposite leaf arrangement on stems
Stems have fine hairs

Height: 0.9 to 1.8m
Spread: 0.9 to 1.8m
Leaves: green, purple, red, deciduous
Flowers: white, pinkish-white, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: black, dark-blue, Late summer to early autumn

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings, division
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Mulch the base in late autumn to protect roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. No pruning is necessary during winter.
In containers: It is not well suited for long term container growth due to its size and root requirements.

Softwood Cuttings

1. Take 10cm cuttings in early summer.
2. Remove lower leaves.
3. Dip in rooting hormone.
4. Place in moist potting mix.
5. Keep humid until rooted.

Group this shrub with other woodland natives to create a self-sustaining forest floor community.

Grows well with

Wild Ginger · They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
Christmas Fern · It provides a nice textural contrast in woodland settings.

Similar species

Mapleleaf Viburnum · This is the primary species discussed.

Science

Family: Viburnaceae
Genus: Viburnum
Order: Dipsacales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern North America
Conservation: This plant is secure and widely distributed throughout its native range.

It grows as an understory shrub in deciduous forests, adapted to low light levels.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, bird food source, larval host plant
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, beetles
Uses: ornamental shrub, woodland garden plant, wildlife hedge

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: No, it actually prefers partial to full shade.
Is it deer resistant?: It has moderate resistance to deer browsing.

Where the name comes from

The species name acerifolium refers to the maple-like shape of the leaves, derived from the Latin acer for maple and folium for leaf.

Good to know

The leaves look remarkably like those of a maple tree.
It is one of the few viburnums that thrives in deep shade.
The berries turn from red to black as they ripen.

Also in

Plants for shade

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.