Tree ID, Please?

7 years ago

So we went to the new house and I was just trying to wrap my head around how many bushes/trees need to be taken out or tamed. I couldn't ID this tree/large bush. Mainly because if it's not tropical or edible I don't know much. HAHA

Any help is appreciated.

barb

Foliage

Inflorescence (sorry a bit blurry)

Featured Answer

Eric S

7 years ago

It is Mirrorleaf Viburnum, Viburnum odoratissimum var. awabuki. Its often grown as a large shrub but makes a great small, evergreen tree. Flowers heavy in spring followed by large clusters of bright red berries. They aren't edible but I don't think they are poisonous. They attract birds and the flowers are good for attracting pollinating insects.

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Comments (7)

unwantedadvice
7 years ago
I have no clue but if there’s a nursery close by then cut a small branch and see if they can ID it for you. They also will know if it’s a keeper or not. Maybe take pic to bring along, too, so they can see the size, etc. ~D
dirtygardener
7 years ago
It looks sort of like an Osmanthus fragrans (tea olive), or some other type of osmanthus. They're beautiful when they bloom.
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jalarse
7 years ago
Let me say right off that I am no plant expert. I live in western Washington state. Zone 8B. Does the pic look similar to yours? This is called a laurel here. Might also be a Chinese croton.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
7 years ago
And you can check by using image search for Viburnum odoratissimum to compare.
ibarbidahl
Original Author
7 years ago
Yes! I think that's it!

I can't wait to go back and see if it does indeed have a sweet scent. I know the hedge (different type of viburnum) is completely covered in bees at the moment...I don't want a hedge, but I want the bees so after it flowers we will take out some of the plants at the end of the row to make it smaller and easier to maintain, yet give the bees some early spring flowers.

THANKS!!!

Barb
Eric S
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
the "regular" V. odoratissimum has smaller, less glossy leaves than var. awabuki.