Viburnum recognitum aka Northern Arrow Wood

Viburnum recognitum has two common names: northern arrowwood and arrow wood. It belongs to the Viburnaceae family. It is native to eastern Canada and parts of the United States. Those parts span the central and eastern states, including the Midwest. It grows in temperate regions, where the climate is mild. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The RHS lists Viburnum dentatum var. lucidum as a synonym. Plant records call it a shrub or tree. Garden sources treat it as a shrub.

Northern arrowwood has many branches and a round crown. Its branches arch, which helps form that shape. Virginia Tech gives heights up to 15 feet [4.6 metres]. The evidence gives no separate size range for garden plants. The bark is gray or gray-brown. Young bark is smooth. Fine scales form as the stems grow. The thin twigs have ridges and angles. They may lack hairs or feel a little like velvet. The buds are green to brown and have several scales.

The leaves grow in pairs, each across from the other. Each leaf is simple, with no split into leaflets. Leaves range from oval to elliptical, a more stretched oval shape. Teeth line their edges. The top of each leaf is glossy and dark green. The underside is paler and has no hairs. These leaf traits help you tell this plant from others. The twig and bark traits above also help with this.

Small white flowers grow in groups with flat tops. They bloom in late spring and have yellow stamens. Chicago Botanic Garden gives the bloom time as May through June. Groups of oval fruits, called drupes, follow the flowers. They turn blue-black and ripen in early fall. Flowers and fruit add interest at different times of year. Chicago Botanic Garden says the plant draws birds and butterflies. Its value to wildlife adds to its garden role.

Grow northern arrowwood in full sun or part shade. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA hardiness zones 4–7. It also lists moderate water needs. The round form suits screens, hedges, beds, and borders. The sources give no soil pH or texture advice for this species. They give no clear account of pests or diseases. They do not show whether people can eat the fruit. They do not show that the plant is safe for people or pets.