« Previous entry: Abronia maritima | Main | Archives | Next entry: Pleiospilos nelii »
I'm on vacation, so only a short written accompaniment today. – Daniel
The emerging leaves of leatherleaf viburnum are covered in a dense coat of hairs. As the leaves expand to their mature size, the hairs continue to be distributed over the entire surface of the leaf (though not as densely). For many people, these hairs can be a skin irritant. For more on this Eurasian plant (including other photographs), visit the Missouri Plants site where Dan Tenaglia writes about Viburnum rhytidophyllum.
Share this entry: 
del.icio.us
Google Bookmark
Stumble Upon
Please share your comments about the photograph(s) and accompanying write-up. Telling a story about the subject of the photograph(s) is also much appreciated! If you have a gardening question, the best place to ask is on the UBC Botanical Garden Forums. Thank you!
« Previous entry: Abronia maritima | Main | Archives | Next entry: Pleiospilos nelii »
From central & southwestern China. I'm a little surprised it is hardy enough to grow in Missouri
I'm surprised to see it called "Eurasian".
I'm a bit confused by the Eurasian reference, as well. I can only find it listed as coming from central and western China. I would add that the hairs, once dislodged, are a significant breathing hazard. They are stellate (star-shaped) and easily caught on the slightest breath of wind.
I recall renovating a huge colony of Viburnum rhytidophyllum at VanDusen Garden with Gerry Gibbens, the gardener responsible for the (superb) Sino Himalayan Garden. We were hacking and coughing in no time. I believe that was the same year I dislocated my shoulder pulling tree branches out of the underbrush in the same garden. It's no wonder I'm in management now.
Pay might be a little better as well.
Is this the same shrub that in August in the Southeast sets out long leather-like quarter-sized "purses" on stems protruding from the shrub?