Walter’s viburnum
The flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
By LYNN ARTZ and DAVID RODDENBERRY
Walter’s viburnum (Viburnum obovatum) delights in early spring when covered with dainty white flowers. This underused evergreen shrub or small tree makes a great accent plant or a border/screening plant. Wildlife seek shelter and nest in its dense foliage and feed on the small fruits that turn from red to black. Pollinators visit the spring blooms. Caterpillars of spring azure butterflies feed on the small leaves. Walter’s viburnum thrives in full sun to part shade over most of Florida. It adapts to a wide range of conditions and is hurricane wind resistant. In the wild, it grows in moist woods, at the edge of swamps, and along streams. Walter’s viburnum is blooming now in the front gardens near Rose Street at Sopchoppy Depot Park.