Walter's Viburnum by Sharon LaPlante Walter's viburnum, Viburnum obovatum , is a native shrub or small tree, in the Caprifoliaceae or honeysuckle family. It can be found growing in moist pine flatwoods, stream and river banks, swamps, hammocks, and also in much drier uplands. It has a colonial habit and will produce suckers. It typically has a densely branched habit, but specimens grown in shade will be slightly more lanky.
Branches produce many small, stiff, branchlets.
Mature plants can reach a height of 20 to 30 feet. Leaf margins are entire except for occasionally scalloping at the tips. The lower leaf surface has small brown glandular dots. It is tardily deciduous losing leaves as new ones emerge. The leaves look much like yaupon holly, Ilex vomitoria , however the holly's leaves are alternate.