Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ E71Emedicinal · edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTrefleWikipediaPFAFPOWOeditorially reviewedreviewed 22 Oct 2026methodology → read
Home/Plants/Caprifoliaceae

Linden Viburnum

Viburnum dilatatumfam. Caprifoliaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
medicinaledibleshrubsedibleedible fruitedible leafmedicinalnative asiashrub
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
pressed specimen — linden viburnum
Pl. E71E — Viburnum dilatatum
Viburnum dilatatumViburnum dilatatumViburnum dilatatumViburnum dilatatumViburnum dilatatumViburnum dilatatumViburnum dilatatumViburnum dilatatumViburnum dilatatumViburnum dilatatumViburnum dilatatumViburnum dilatatumViburnum dilatatumViburnum dilatatum
I

Overview

Linden Viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum) is a shrub belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family and is native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, as well as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. This plant thrives in moist conditions, preferring light or partial shade, and can grow up to 3 meters tall. Known for its ornamental qualities, Linden Viburnum is valued for its edible fruit and leaves, which can be eaten raw or used in jams and syrups. The leaves can also be steeped to make a tea. Both parts of the plant are typically consumed fresh but can be dried for later use. While not commonly used for medicinal purposes, Linden Viburnum's fruit and leaves have been utilized in traditional medicine. This shrub is adaptable and can be introduced into regions such as Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where it can thrive in hardiness zones 5-8.

Quick answers

What is Linden Viburnum?

Linden Viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum) is a shrub belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family and is native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, as well as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. This plant thrives in moist conditions, preferring light or partial shade, and can grow up to 3 meters tall.

Compare with:Mexican Elder→Sambucus chinensis→Viburnum cotinifolium→all comparisons →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Evening Calm
sleep
tea
Traditional bedtime infusion.
Stress Relief
stress
tincture
Historically used for calming effects.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Linden Viburnum thrives in full to partial sun, requiring moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. This shrub grows up to 3 meters tall and prefers a moist environment. For propagation, consider using cuttings or division. The fruit and leaves are edible, adding a unique touch to your garden while providing a food source.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-8
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Linden Viburnum for the first time

8steps

Start with planting Linden Viburnum in a sunny spot and follow these steps for success.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Linden Viburnum plants, garden gloves, spade or trowel, watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; prepare containers at least 12 inches wide and deep.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants from the nursery, ensuring roots are not damaged during handling.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; avoid direct sunlight for a few days after planting.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun or partial shade; water weekly, especially in dry periods; mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular pruning.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The Linden Viburnum's fruit and leaves are edible. The fruits can be eaten raw or used in jams and syrups. Leaves may be steeped to make a tea. Both parts are typically consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Fiber
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

6 native · 9 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 6 native· 9 introduced
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwan
Broader regions
introduced:Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · e71edfb0-26be-49fc-9a64-839195c58f37
Decision aid
Choosing between Linden Viburnum and something else?
Compare with another plant

Continue reading

❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes