Downy Arrowwood

Viburnum rafinesquianum

Pollinator Value

🔑 Keystone: Viburnum is a keystone genus in eastern North America, supporting 103 lepidoptera species as caterpillar host plants. Seven native Viburnum species occur in the region, collectively providing critical larval food for moths and butterflies including Hummingbird Clearwing, Cecropia Silkmoth, and Io Moth. The genus ranks among the top wildlife-supporting woody plant genera.
S13 103 lepidoptera species across 7 native species
🐛 Larval Host: Calledapteryx dryopterata, Agriopodes fallax, 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 14 verified Eastern NA
❄️ Winter Food Source: Persistent dark blue-black drupes are consumed by at least 18 bird species including Ruffed Grouse, Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, Hermit Thrush, Eastern Bluebird, Wild Turkey, and Pine Grosbeak. Cedar Waxwing diet can comprise up to 40% Viburnum fruit by volume. Mammals including Black Bear, Red Fox, and Striped Chipmunk also feed on the fruit.
S57 18 bird species; S10 songbirds, gamebirds, 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: Globally secure (G5) and nationally secure in both Canada (N5) and the US (N5). Secure in Ontario (S5) but Vulnerable in Quebec (S3), suggesting this species is near its northeastern range limit. Not listed under SARA or COSEWIC. In New England, ranked S1 (Critically Imperiled) in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
S22 G5, N5, S5-ON, S3-QC; S26 not SARA listed; S61 S1 in MA and NH
Rarity Ranks: QC S3 – Vulnerable, ON S5 – Secure
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: Characteristic understory shrub of dry to mesic deciduous forests and rocky woodlands on calcareous substrates. In the Outaouais, found on the Eardley Escarpment and rocky outcrops in Gatineau Park, growing with Quercus alba, Q. rubra, Rhus aromatica, and Danthonia spicata. Tolerant of thin soils over limestone and dry rocky banks. Ranked S3 (Vulnerable) in Quebec, indicating limited occurrences on the Quebec side despite being common in Ottawa.
S48 specimens from Gatineau Park, Hull, Lac Deschenes; S22 S3 QC; S62 Common in Ottawa; S4 rocky woods, old fields, dry slopes

Roles: Fortress/Barrier
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fortress/Barrier: S61 keyword match: thorns? (supporting signal only)]
Notes: Excellent understory or edge shrub for wildlife-focused plantings. Pairs well with oaks and other dry-woodland canopy trees. The dense branching provides nesting cover while fruit supports diverse bird and mammal species. Tolerates alkaline and rocky soils where many other shrubs struggle.
S10 nesting habitat, wildlife food; S4 rocky woods, alkaline tolerant

❌ Not Edible

Foraging Notes: No documented edible uses found in ethnobotanical or modern foraging literature. The drupes are consumed by wildlife but no human consumption records were identified.
S28 no uses; S10 fruit described for wildlife only