shrubN. America Native

Smooth Arrowwood

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum recognitum is an upright, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to North America, forming a rounded outline of dense foliage. Flat-topped clusters of creamy-white flowers open in late spring, followed by dark blue-black fruits that persist into fall.

This species is distinguished within the arrowwood complex by its completely smooth, hairless leaves and twigs. The glossy dark green foliage turns yellow to deep purplish-red as fall temperatures drop.

Uses & Benefits:

Glossy green foliage, flat-topped white flower clusters, and rich yellow to purple fall color make this an attractive structural shrub.

Tolerates clay soils and occasional flooding, making it highly effective for stabilizing wet banks and rain gardens.

Provides critical nesting cover for songbirds, nectar for native bees, and highly nutritious autumn berries for migrating birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained loam.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the soil surface.
Backfill with native soil, tamp down gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after flowering in mid-summer to preserve next year's flower buds; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents proper resprouting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Prune immediately after the summer bloom to shape the canopy and remove dead wood.
Mulch annually to conserve soil moisture and regulate root temperatures.

Don't

Do not prune late in the season, as this removes the buds required for spring flowering.
Do not plant in poorly drained depressions where standing water persists for long periods.
Do not shear the outer foliage heavily unless maintaining a formal hedge.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeMass PlantingRain GardenNaturalized AreaWildlife Garden

Companion Plants

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Cornus sericea Ilex verticillata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Smooth Arrowwood questions

What zones can Smooth Arrowwood grow in?

Smooth Arrowwood is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Smooth Arrowwood deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Smooth Arrowwood, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Smooth Arrowwood bloom?

Smooth Arrowwood typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Smooth Arrowwood need full sun?

Smooth Arrowwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Smooth Arrowwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Smooth Arrowwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.