Native Shrubs of Prince Edward Island
Hobblebush (Viburnum alnifolium)

Description:
One of our showiest plants throughout the year, although these shrubs are so rare that few Islanders have had the chance to see them. Growing to a height of 6 ft. (2 m), hobblebush has opposite, velvety buds that develop into large, heart-shaped leaves which turn bronze in the fall. The flowers form large, flat clusters and are very white. The berries turn a very attractive cranberry red in late August and finally purple-black when fully ripe.

Hobblebush (Viburnum alnifolium) leaf.

Growing Conditions:
Like so many of our rare plants, these favour shade and rich soil and are usually found in mixed wood stands.

Hobblebush flower.

Propagation:
The plant gets its name because if the tips bend down and touch the ground, roots can form and the shrub can literally "hobble" you as you walk through the woods. The easiest way to grow this shrub is from seed. When ripe in mid-to-late September, the seeds are mashed by hand to break up the fruit and planted every 2 in. (5 cm) in rows 4 in. (10 cm) apart, at a depth of 1/4 in. (6 mm). Seeds generally take two years to germinate and should be lightly mulched and given light shade. Any that germinate the first summer should be transplanted to a separate nursery bed under light shade and mulched well.

Hobblebush fruit.

Wildlife Uses:
Hobblebush produces heavy crops of berries, which are used by ruffed grouse, pine grosbeak, Swainson's thrush and other birds. Although it is not listed as a preferred food by most wildlife manuals, for several years now the heavy seed crops have vanished quite quickly, so they obviously are favoured by some birds.

Hobblebush winter twig and bud.

Areas of Usage:
A premier landscape plant if you have any shade at all around your home, especially given its attractiveness throughout the year. It works best in a naturalized situation, perhaps in a wild area under larger trees. It is also important in woodland plantings, not only for its beauty but for its heavy seed crops for wildlife and the diversity it provides.

From the Nursery:
The Macphail Woods operates a native tree and shrub nursery and offers many native trees and shrubs at affordable prices. Check out:

• Macphail Woods Nursery Catalogue
• Why Plant Native Shrubs?
• Growing Native Shrubs
• How to Plant Trees and Shrubs
• Tips on Transplanting

This series of webpages is based on the booklet "Native Shrubs of Prince Edward Island Growing and using fifteen favorite shrubs for: wildlife enhancement, erosion control, windbreaks, landscapes and much more" written by Gary Schneider. If your interested in receiving a hardcopy of this booklet, please see our publications page.

We offer a number of workshops and guided tours at the Macphail Woods and it is an opportunity to learn more about PEI native shrubs. Check out the Events Calendar for more information. Web development and maintenance by Chris Martin.

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