Leaf Identification
The leaves of the Nannyberry Viburnum are 2″ to 4″ long and have a shiny dark green color on top. The underside of the leaves are typically paler with small black dots. The leaf shape is ovate to elliptical with a serrated margin. The venation is almost arcuate to arcuate. The petiole is reddish, and it has opposite arrangement.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twigs of the Nannyberry Viburnum are gray, and the new growth is typically reddish-brown. The buds are slender, valvate (having only two bud scales), and pinkish brown. The flower buds are very similar but swell at the base.
Bark Identification
The Nannyberry Viburnum bark on young trees is smooth. It gains irregular scales with age.
Fruit Identification
The fruit of the Nannyberry Viburnum are dark blue drupes (seed covered by fleshy mesocarp) that are about 1/2″ long. They grow in hanging clusters on a red peduncle (flowering or fruiting stem). The fruits are edible when ripe.
Flower Identification
The Nannyberry Viburnum flowers are small and white. They occur in round-topped clusters. The flowers bloom in mid-spring.