Viburnum dilatatum aka Linden Viburnum

Viburnum dilatatum, or linden viburnum, is a deciduous Asian shrub. It belongs to the viburnum family, Viburnaceae. Its native range includes China, Korea, and Japan. It grows in open woods, along forest edges, and on foothills. Its common name refers to leaves that resemble linden leaves. Several stems form an upright or rounded crown. Garden plants reach 8–10 feet (2.44–3.05 metres) tall. They spread 6–10 feet (1.83–3.05 metres) wide. NC State also lists heights of 15 feet (4.57 metres).

The bark turns gray-brown as the stems age. Young brown stems have dense hairs and orange lenticels. The simple leaves grow in pairs along the stems. Their dark green blades have coarse teeth and wrinkled surfaces. Hairs cover both sides, with more along the veins. Leaf shape varies, even on a single shrub. Some leaves are round; others are much longer than wide. Fall leaves may turn bronze, rust red, or burgundy. The color varies, and leaves fall late in the season.

Small cream-white flowers form broad cymes in late spring. Most accounts place bloom in May and early June. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a wider April-to-June season. Bright red drupes follow the flowers in large clusters. They ripen from late summer into fall. Fruit can last into December, then shrivel on the stems. Birds eat the fruit, and the shrub attracts butterflies. A lone plant may bear little fruit. Planting several different selections nearby can improve fruit set.

This shrub grows in sun or partial shade. It prefers moist, fertile loam with good drainage. It also accepts clay, sand, and other soil types. Slightly acid to neutral soil suits it well. Established plants can withstand some dry spells. Sources place it in USDA zones 5–8. Growth is moderate, and routine care is fairly simple. Prune for shape just after the flowers fade. Remove dead or weak branches when needed. Garden uses include hedges, screens, borders, and woodland plantings.

Sources report few serious pest or disease problems. Deer resistance is mild rather than complete. Suckers can form dense thickets that crowd out native plants. The species has invasive tendencies in Connecticut and other eastern states. PFAF lists raw or cooked fruit and cooked leaves as edible. Each fruit holds one large seed. PFAF reports no known hazards, but gives no pet-specific safety evidence. It also records traditional medicinal uses and bark fibre for rope.