Viburnum lantanoides

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Viburnum lantanoides

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Dipsacales
Family:	Caprifoliaceae
Genus:	Viburnum
Species:	V. lantanoides

Binomial name

Viburnum lantanoides

Viburnum lantanoides (also called Hobblebush, Witch-hobble, and Moosewood) is a perennial shrub of the family Caprifoliaceae growing 2-4 meters (6-12 ft) high with pendulous branches that take root where they touch the ground. These rooted branches form obstacles which easily trip (or hobble) walkers - hence the common name.

The shrub forms large clusters of white to pink flowers in May-June. The flowers on the outer edge of the clusters are much larger (3-5 cm across). The whole cluster is typically 10 cm across. It has large, cardoid leaves which are serrate, 10-20 cm long. The bark is gray-brown and warty and the fruit is a drupe which is red, turning to black when ripened.

The flowers provide nectar for the Celastrina ladon (Spring Azure) butterfly. Mammals and birds feed on its fruit, twigs, and leaves.

[edit] Distribution

Viburnum lantanoides is found in the eastern U.S. and Canada from Georgia to the Canadian Maritimes. It grows in rich, moist acidic woods, stream banks, and swamps.