Viburnum molle | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Dipsacales |
Family: | Adoxaceae |
Genus: | Viburnum |
Species: | V. molle
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Binomial name | |
Viburnum molle |
Viburnum molle, commonly called softleaf arrowwood,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the moschatel family (Adoxaceae). It is native to the eastern United States, where it restricted to the Midwest and Upper South.[2] Its distribution is scattered, and populations occur in disjunct clusters.[3] Its natural habitat is in rocky bluff forests over calcareous soil, and in adjacent bottomlands.[4][5]
Viburnum molle is a woody shrub that spreads by underground runners. It produces clusters of small white flowers in late spring. It has distinctive papery bark which peels off in sheets.[5] Although it bears a superficial resemblance to the more widespread Viburnum dentatum, it can be distinguished by its ovate-orbicular leaves with strictly cordate leaf bases, its prominent long-filiform stipules, and its ellipsoid fruit.[4][6]