Overview
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. glabrescens Rehd. is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Viburnaceae family and is native to eastern North America.
Common Names
Common names for Viburnum acerifolium L. var. glabrescens Rehd. include mapleleaf viburnum, dockmackie, and arrowwood.
Appearance
Mapleleaf viburnum can grow up to six feet tall and six feet wide. The plant's leaves are a medium green color, with three to five lobes that resemble a maple leaf. The plant has small, white flowers that bloom in the late spring and early summer, followed by berry-like fruits that ripen in the fall. The plant's bark is grayish-brown and has a rough texture. This shrub is mainly used as an ornamental plant.
Uses
Mapleleaf viburnum is primarily used as an ornamental plant for landscaping. Its leaves and bark were traditionally used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, such as treating headaches and fever. The plant's fruits are also edible, with a slightly sweet taste, and are often used in jams and jellies. The plant is also an important source of food for wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
Light Requirements
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. glabrescens Rehd. grows best in partial to full shade. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and stunt growth.
Temperature Requirements
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. glabrescens Rehd. is native to the eastern United States and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. It prefers cool to moderate temperatures and can tolerate some winter cold, but extreme cold can damage the stems and leaves.
Soil Requirements
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. glabrescens Rehd. prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline. It is also tolerant of clay and sandy soils, although it may struggle in very heavy clay soils with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. glabrescens Rehd. is generally easy to cultivate and is tolerant to a wide range of soil and weather conditions. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5. Planting should be done in a sunny to partially shaded location. The best time to plant is in early spring or fall when the soil is moist and the temperatures are cooler.
Watering Needs
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. glabrescens Rehd. likes to be kept moist but not wet. Young plants need to be watered regularly until they are established. After that, they can be watered once a week during the growing season. During dry spells, it is necessary to water more frequently.
Fertilization
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. glabrescens Rehd. benefits from fertilization every spring before new growth starts. A balanced fertilizer can be used, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14. It is advisable to follow the label instructions and not over-fertilize, as this can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. glabrescens Rehd. does not require much pruning. If pruning is necessary, it should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. It is advisable to remove dead, diseased, or broken branches. Shoots that are rubbing or crossing each other should also be removed.
Propagation of Viburnum acerifolium L. var. glabrescens Rehd.
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. glabrescens Rehd. can be propagated through various methods which include:
Softwood Cuttings
This method is most effective during the growing season when new shoots are emerging. Cuttings should be taken from healthy parent plants and should be around 4-6 inches in length. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut ends in a rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in well-draining soil and keep them moist until roots are established.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be directly sown in a well-prepared bed in the fall. They will germinate in spring and can be transplanted when they are 3-4 inches tall. Alternatively, seeds can be started indoors in a well-draining soil mix and transplanted outside once they have reached the desired size.
Layering
Layering can be done in early spring or late fall, when the branches are still flexible. Select a healthy, low-lying branch and apply rooting hormone to a small area of the branch's bark. Gently scrape the bark to promote rooting. Bury the treated portion of the branch in well-draining soil, leaving the tip of the branch exposed. Leave the branch in place for a year or until roots have established. Cut the branch from the parent plant and transplant in the desired location.
DIVISION
In the fall or early spring, divide mature plants, making sure that each division has ample roots and stems. Replant in a well-prepared bed with well-draining soil and water well.
Disease Management
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. glabrescens Rehd. is susceptible to a number of diseases that can significantly damage the plant. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots to appear on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid over-watering the plant, and use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating to appear on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, use an appropriate fungicide and ensure optimal spacing between plants to promote air circulation.
- Verticillium wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plants, do not plant susceptible plants in infected soil, and ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Pest Management
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. glabrescens Rehd. is also susceptible to a number of pests that can significantly damage the plant. The most common pests that affect this plant are:
- Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to the undersides of leaves and cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage this pest, prune off heavily infested branches, use an appropriate insecticide, and encourage natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Aphids: These pests feed on the sap of the plant and cause leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage this pest, prune off heavily infested branches, use an appropriate insecticide, and encourage natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant damage. To manage this pest, handpick and destroy the caterpillars, and use an appropriate insecticide if necessary.
