PSC 2620: Woody Trees and ShrubCourse HomeStudy Materials

Viburnum Species Comparisons


This page is intended to help you become more familiar with the different Viburnum species. Here you can quickly compare the different species to better learn the distinguishing characteristics of each.
Foliage
Viburnum opulus - The leaves have three lobes and large serrations on the margin. They are wider and shorter than those of Viburnum trilobum. Viburnum trilobum - The leaves are deeply lobed and tend to be more elongated than Viburnum opulus.
Viburnum x burkwoodii - The leaves are ovate or elliptic and 1-4 inches long. The margin is finely serrated. Viburnum x rhytidophylloides - The leaf is oblong and grows up to 6 inches long. It is thick and leathery to the touch.

Flower
Viburnum opulus - Corymbs of sterile showy white flowers surround less showy inner flowers. Viburnum trilobum - Corymbs of showy white blossoms surround less-showy inner blossoms.
Viburnum x burkwoodii - The flowers are white and form on 2-3 inch wide cymes. They have a sweet and spicy fragrance. Viburnum x rhytidophylloides - The flowers are white and form in 4-8 inch wide cymes. They are not as fragrant as the Burkwood Viburnum. Image: Ferenczyne Joli

Fruit
Viburnum opulus - The 1/2 inch fruit is red and forms in drooping clusters. Viburnum trilobum - The 1/2 inch fruit are bright red and form in drooping clusters.
Viburnum x burkwoodii - The fruit is 1/3 inch in diametere and is black. It is not as profuse as on other Viburnum varieties. Viburnum x rhytidophylloides - The 1/3 inch fruit forms in large showy clusters. It starts red before ripening to black.

Form
Viburnum opulus - It is a large shrub, growing 10 feet high and wide with a nice round shape. Viburnum trilobum - It is a large shrub, growing 8-12 feet high and wide. It has a compact branching habbit and upright, rounded form.
Viburnum x burkwoodii - It is a large shrub with an upright vase shape. It grows 8-10 feet high and 6-8 feet wide. Viburnum x rhytidophylloides - It is a large shrub with a strong upright, rounded form. It grows 10-15 feet high and wide.