Common viburnum
Viburnum ellipticum
Last reviewed: October 2026
Common viburnum (Viburnum ellipticum) is a perennial shrub native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw native bees, flies, and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown
Common viburnum (Viburnum ellipticum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
72"–120" H × 60"–96" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
native bees, flies, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A rounded deciduous shrub with rounded, toothed leaves and flat clusters of small white flowers in late spring. Blue-black berries follow in fall along woodland edges and openings.
Growing Common viburnum
Grow Common viburnum in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 120 inches tall and spread 60 to 96 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Flowers draw a range of pollinators, and the fall berries are an important food source for songbirds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Common viburnum need?
- Common viburnum grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Common viburnum bloom?
- Common viburnum blooms in May and June.
- Where is Common viburnum native?
- Common viburnum (Viburnum ellipticum) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Common viburnum attract?
- Common viburnum draws native bees, flies, and butterflies.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Common viburnum? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
