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Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Native Plants < Native Plant Database < Viburnum rafinesquianum
Downy arrowwood is a wonderful plant for wildlife. Its airy, creamy flower clusters appear in late May and early June and attract both bees and butterflies. The dry black fruits, available from early September through late November, appeal to the likes of chipmunks, squirrels, foxes, bluebirds, cardinals, cedar waxwings, white-throated sparrows, mockingbirds, and robins. If that’s not enough, the dense foliage makes excellent nesting habitat.
But downy arrowwood is just as appealing to people as it is to the critters. In addition to lacy flowers and interesting black fruits, this robust shrub also has outstanding fall color—a dazzling display of golds, pinks, and reds. You can plant downy arrowwood in masses to provide effective screening or plant it alone and limb it up so that it takes the form of a lovely little specimen tree. Either way, it is very easy to grow. It transplants readily, tolerates lots of shade, and positively thrives in dry soils.
Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
Large deciduous shrub or small tree with elliptical, toothed, 2" leaves. Creamy, flat-topped flower clusters appear in late May and early June and are followed by smooth, blue-black berries that ripen in fall.
10’ high and 12’ wide.
Large, rounded shrub.
Moderate.
Part sun to full shade. For a good show of flowers, fruit, and fall color, provide at least a half-day of sun.
For best results, plant in dry to average garden soil.
Assets include cream-colored flowers in late spring and blue-black berries and excellent leaf color in fall.
Plant as a specimen or in masses.
Berries attract a wide variety of birds and mammals. The foliage is a good source of cover.
Found in forests, old fields, and fencerows and on stony slopes and stream banks throughout Georgia.
Stratified seed.
Written by Leslie Kimel, Georgia Wildlife Federation
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Downy Arrowwood
