Maple-leaved Viburnum

Viburnum acerifolium

Pollinator Value

🔑 Keystone: Viburnum supports 103 species of butterflies and moths as a caterpillar host plant in the Ottawa-Gatineau ecoregion, making it a keystone genus for lepidopteran biodiversity. Larval hosts include notable species such as the Promethea Silkmoth, Cecropia Silkmoth, and Hummingbird Clearwing. The dense understory growth provides critical cover for ground-nesting birds.
S13 103 lepidoptera; S61 cover for ground-nesting birds
🐛 Larval Host: Calledapteryx dryopterata, Hemaris thysbe, Hemaris diffinis, Pyrrharctia isabella, Xanthotype sospeta, Callosamia promethea, Paonias excaecatus, Schizura concinna, Automeris io, Hyalophora cecropia, Orgyia leucostigma, Schizura badia, Glyptocera consobrinella
S13+S15 13 verified Eastern NA
❄️ Winter Food Source: Viburnum drupes are consumed by at least 18 bird species including Ruffed Grouse (up to 14.8% occurrence in diet), Cedar Waxwing (40% by volume), Wild Turkey, American Robin, Hermit Thrush, and several vireo species. Fruits ripen in late summer to fall and are also taken by Eastern Chipmunk, White-Footed Mouse, and tree squirrels.
S57 18 bird species; S10 fruits eaten by Ruffed Grouse, woodland songbirds, small mammals

Proximity Score: 0
Native Status: ✅ Outaouais ✅ Ottawa ✅ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: Local
CEC Eco-Regions: 5 – Northern Forests, 5.2 – Mixed Wood Shield, 5.2.3 – Algonquin/Southern Laurentians
Rarity Notes: Secure in Ontario (S5) but ranked Vulnerable (S3) in Quebec by NatureServe. Not listed under SARA or COSEWIC. The Quebec ranking reflects a more restricted range at the northern edge of the species' distribution. Nationally ranked N5 in Canada and G5 globally.
S22 rank_qc=S3, rank_on=S5, G5, N5; S26 not listed SARA
Rarity Ranks: QC S3 – Vulnerable, ON S5 – Secure
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: A characteristic understory shrub of deciduous forests, particularly oak-hickory and beech-maple associations. Occurs on well-drained, acidic, rocky or sandy slopes, bluffs, and ravines. Tolerates deep shade but also persists in partial openings. In the Outaouais, herbarium specimens record it in sugar maple forests with beech and red oak, hemlock stands, and oak woodlands on the Canadian Shield.
S10 upland rocky/sandy woodlands; S7 understory shrub in deciduous forests; S4 thickets, shaded woods, mesic mixed woods; S48 Gatineau specimens in u00e9rabliu00e8re sucriu00e8re, chu00eanaie, prucheraie

Roles: Fortress/Barrier
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fortress/Barrier: S61 keyword match: thorns? (supporting signal only)]
Notes: Functions as a reliable understory shrub in woodland guild designs. Tolerates deep shade beneath canopy trees and provides multi-season interest with spring flowers, fall color, and persistent drupes for wildlife. Spreads by rhizomes to form loose colonies, stabilizing slopes and filling gaps in the shrub layer.
S4 suckers profusely; S61 propagates by rhizomes; S10 understory plant in high quality wooded habitats

Category: Analgesic, Anticonvulsive, Diaphoretic, Emetic, Febrifuge, Gastrointestinal Aid, Gynecological Aid, Oral Aid, Tonic, Urinary Aid
S28 Moerman categories from Cherokee, Chippewa, Iroquois, Menominee uses
Notes: Extensively used by First Nations peoples. Cherokee used infusions to prevent spasms and treat fever, smallpox, and ague; root bark served as a diaphoretic and tonic. Chippewa took decoctions of inner bark for cramps and stomach complaints, and as an emetic. Iroquois used bark infusions for pain relief and to treat urinary and gynecological conditions. Menominee used inner bark infusions for cramps and colic.
S28 16 ethnobotanical drug records across 4 First Nations

❌ Not Edible

Foraging Notes: Not documented as edible. Moerman's ethnobotanical database records 16 drug/medicine uses by Cherokee, Chippewa, Iroquois, and Menominee peoples, but no food uses. USDA rates human palatability as none.
S28 16 Drug uses, no Food category; S11 Palatable Human=No