Dockmackie
Viburnum acerifolium
Last reviewed: June 2026
Viburnum acerifolium is a native deciduous shrub found across eastern North America that produces white flower clusters in late spring and early summer. This shade-tolerant plant attracts bees, beetles, and flies while thriving in partial shade conditions.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Dockmackie as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
36"–72" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Dockmackie is a medium-sized native shrub with maple-like leaves that turn attractive red and purple colors in fall. It produces small white flower clusters in late spring followed by dark berries, thriving in partial shade conditions.
Growing Dockmackie
Grow Dockmackie in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dockmackie takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Can appear somewhat wild and informal in growth habit
- May spread by suckers creating irregular appearance
- Less familiar to HOAs than common landscape shrubs
Wildlife value
The flowers attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies in May and June. Birds feed on the dark berries produced in late summer.
Common questions
- When does Viburnum acerifolium bloom?
- Dockmackie blooms in May and June, producing flat-topped clusters of small white flowers that attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies.
- What growing conditions does Dockmackie prefer?
- Viburnum acerifolium thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions with medium moisture levels, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
- Where is Viburnum acerifolium native?
- Dockmackie is native to much of eastern North America, from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, including states like Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia.
- What pollinators visit Dockmackie flowers?
- The flowers of Viburnum acerifolium attract a diverse group of pollinators including native bees, beetles, and various fly species during the late spring blooming period.
- Is Dockmackie toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Dockmackie as toxic to livestock.
- Is Dockmackie HOA-friendly?
- Dockmackie takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Dockmackie? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz