Viburnum cotinifolium

Viburnum cotinifolium, or Indian wayfaring tree, belongs to the Viburnaceae family. Its native range runs from eastern Afghanistan to Sikkim and southern Tibet. It grows in temperate parts of this region. Wild plants occur among oak and deodar in woods and scrub. They also grow in open spots on somewhat drier slopes. Records place it at heights up to 11,810 feet [3,600 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This deciduous shrub reaches about 11.5 feet [3.5 metres] in cultivation. Kew also records its growth form as a shrub or tree. It sheds its leaves rather than keeping them through winter. Its wood is hard and has a close grain. It suits woodland gardens, including their sunny edges and patches of light shade. Its edible fruit gives it another use beyond garden planting.

Flowers appear in June, and each flower has male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between plants. A plant cannot set fertile seed with its own pollen. It needs a nearby, genetically different plant of the same species. Seeds ripen in October. The egg-shaped fruit measures about half an inch [12 millimetres] long. Each fruit holds one large seed. The flesh has a mildly sweet taste. People can eat the fruit raw or cooked. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards, but this is not a full safety assessment. It lists no known medicinal uses.

Grow this shrub in sun or partial shade with moist soil. Deep, rich loam suits it best, though it accepts sand and clay. It tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and alkaline soils, including very alkaline ground. Poor soil and dry sites do not suit it well. Shelter from early morning sun in spring is helpful. Plants For A Future describes it as easy to grow. It reports cold tolerance near 5°F [-15°C] and lists USDA zones 5–9.

Seed offers one way to raise new plants, but germination can be slow. Some seed takes more than 18 months to sprout. Sow ripe seed in a cold frame without delay. Stored seed needs warm treatment followed by cold treatment. Early-summer softwood cuttings offer another way to propagate it. Young seedlings need time in a cold frame or greenhouse before planting out.