I think it looks like a Viburnum. Does it get much sun?

Hi

It's at the top of a hillside and had probably been crowded by junk. It's most likely too big to move it now.

Thanks.

ML

Looks like Arrowwood Viburnum (V. dentatum). There are one or two similar species but that should narrow it down.

Definitely Arrowwood. Very common in Ohio, and I think most larger shrubs of it look pretty much like that. I don't think it will grow back any prettier if you cut it back.

WW

Thank you all for your replies.

Arrowwood viburnum sure looks right and the description of arching branches fits, too. Site said rejuvenation pruning may be needed. Agree though weedwoman, this plant doesn't look like it will improve in shape.

I didn't notice any spring flowering but the area was a jungle that I avoided. There are no berries. Perhaps it needs a mate? Coincidentally, I purchased Winterthur? viburnum which is still sitting in its pot because I couldn't decide where to place it. I've since read that it needs a mate to produce berries. So, I think it's found a home now with the Arrowwood. Perhaps they will both be happy and bloom and produce berries next year? I can hope.

The information here is so helpful. Thank you.

ML

It may not get enough sun to produce flowers, that's all. But now that you know what it is, you can observe it next year and see what happens.

I wouldn't worry about planting a mate for it, chances are there are others in the woods around you. It might not be getting enough sun, but the flowers aren't super showy - you just might not have noticed them if there was a lot of other stuff around it.

WW

Hi

You're right in that I may not have noticed any flowering in years past. I've since found a couple more of these arrowwood vibernums of about the same size. Neat.

It's the winthur viburnum sitting in a pot that I've read needs a mate. Blue muffin was mentioned. It is related to the arrowwood - did I read that right? So I'm thinking that it's the Winthur that needs the Arrowwood.

It looks to me like there should be enough sunlight now. So we shall see what happens next spring.

Thanks again.

ML

The trees and shrubs are all competing for light, continuing to cut out other things around it will cause the viburnum to fill in better.

Can you post a pic of the more chewed up leaves? I am afraid I may know what is eating it.

buckeye15

Here is a photo of the chewed up viburnam leaves. Looks like lace. What do you think is eating it?

{{gwi:350117}}

Thanks.

ML

I hope you are in northeast Ohio. What I mean to say is that I hope this pest hasn't already spread to the rest of Ohio. Your Viburnum dentatum is infested with viburnum leaf beetle which is as far as I know still restricted to the northeast part of the state...along with other states and Canadian provinces north and east of here. Based on my observations, Arrowwood viburnums are the hardest hit, but other species are listed as very susceptible, including your Viburnum nudum 'Wintherthur'. I was just at a site the other day where the arrowwoods were all torn up, but the Winterthur viburnums looked clean. I have already removed the arrowwoods at my house because of the damage. I am watching and waiting to see how the others fare--I have about 15 other species and hybrids here. Check out the link I have included. There is some excellent info from Cornell University.

Here is a link that might be useful: viburnum leaf beetle

Thanks. I was afraid you might have given up on ever seeing a picture of this leaf damage.

We are 60 miles due south of Cleveland.

I read over the site you linked. So now what? You removed your arrowwoods? Didn't want to risk just cutting it way back to the ground?

Should I remove the arrowwood, or try cutting it down first. What do you think?

Thanks.

ML

ML,
Sorry it took me so long to respond back to your questions. Once this pest gets well established it can kill Arrowwoods (and probably a few other species) in a matter of a few years, if left unchecked. It is actually relatively easy to kill with a wide variety of insecticides if you so desire, but you would have to spray a couple times in the spring and at least 2-3 times in the summer, and for me it just isn't worth it---I would rather have plants that can fend for themselves a bit better. I do have at least 15 other species of Viburnums that should prove to be at least tolerant if not resistant to this pest, and I am leaving all of them in.

So that is what I decided. What you decide should be based on how much you value the specific plants, how much you value keeping natives at any cost, how you feel about using pesticides on an ongoing basis. I like arrowwood viburnums, and I believe that with rejuvenation, and extra care, you could make yours look nice, but at what cost. I hope this helps.

I had an arrowwood viburnum that was attacked for a couple years by the beetle, but then the damage stopped. It has been healthy the past two years. I'm not sure what happened. Anyway, I'm just posting to say that, it is possible to have the beetles disappear and have a healthy shrub once again.
Remy