Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Discover the Viburnum molle, widely known as the softleaf arrowwood, an alluring species of flowering plant native to the Midwest and Upper South regions of the United States. This plant shines uniquely within rocky bluff forests and adjacent bottomlands, boasting its existence in scattered, disjunct clusters. A woody shrub that spreads via underground runners, it sprouts small white flower bunches in late spring, adding a touch of elegance to your garden. Not to be overlooked is its beautiful papery bark, which gently peels off in sheets, revealing the captivating charm of the plant. Although similar to the widespread Viburnum dentatum, this veritable plant stands out with ovate-orbicular leaves, prominent long-filiform stipules, and an ellipsoid fruit variety. Adorn your garden with this large, multi-stemmed, rounded shrub spanning 8-12' in both height and width. The glossy, dark green summer foliage coupled with the white flower clusters in early June signify the plant's unmistakable beauty. Witness the transformation as fall warrants a change in foliage hue to red or reddish-purple. A distinguishing trait is its gray to brown exfoliating bark that exposes a shiny brown inner bark, a winter spectacle akin to the Acer griseum. Zone 5 suitable, it is naturally found from Pennsylvania to Arkansas and Missouri. Choose Viburnum molle, for an ensemble of fascination and spectacle in your garden.