Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Doublefile Viburnum, Japanese Snowball (Viburnum plicatum)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Dipsacales>Caprifoliaceae>Viburnum plicatum Thunb.

Doublefile Viburnum, Japanese Snowball (Viburnum plicatum) This showy ornamental is commonly planted, but, so far, is a rare escape from cultivation. It's often sold as Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum, but this form is not recognized as a true variety by official sources, such as the USDA PLANTS database.

This planted specimen was blooming in Chapel Hill, NC on 4/30/05.

Doublefile Viburnum, Japanese Snowball (Viburnum plicatum) This is an escaped plant in Chapel Hill's Battle Park.

Battle Park, Chapel Hill, Orange Co., NC 4/23/05.

Not similar to any native shrub, the leaves are deeply folded along the veins. The large, showy white outer flowers are sterile.

Battle Park, Chapel Hill, Orange Co., NC 4/23/05.

Pinkish-red drupes are produced in early summer.

Chapel Hill, NC 6/18/05.

More information:
University of Connecticut

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