Viburnum prunifolium, L.

Form.—A small tree or shrub reaching a height of 20-30 feet in favorable locations.

Leaves.—Opposite, simple, oval, obtuse or slightly pointed, 1-3 inches long, finely and sharply serrate, glabrous.

Flowers.—May; perfect; small, white, borne in large terminal cymes.

Fruit.—Dark blue, fleshy, sweet, persistent drupes with large flat stones; borne on reddish stalks in few-fruited clusters.

Bark.—Roughened by plate-like scales, reddish-brown.

Wood.—Similar to that of Sweet Viburnum.

Range.—Connecticut and Michigan south to Georgia and Arkansas.

Distribution in West Virginia.—Common locally throughout the State.

Habitat.—Prefers dry, rocky hillsides and low ridges, growing in thickets along fences.

Notes.—As a wood-producer this tree has no value. The bark of its roots has a medicinal value and it deserves to be planted extensively for ornamental purposes.