Maple-leaf viburnum, scientifically known as Viburnum acerifolium, is a versatile plant that provides food and shelter to various animals. In this answer, I will delve into the different animals that eat maple-leaf viburnum and discuss its significance in their lives.
1. Deer: Maple-leaf viburnum is a favorite food source for deer. They browse on the twigs, bark, and leaves of the plant. As an avid gardener, I have often observed deer grazing on my maple-leaf viburnum shrubs during the winter months when other food options are scarce. The plant’s foliage is particularly nutritious for deer, providing them with essential nutrients.
2. Rabbits: Similar to deer, rabbits also feed on the twigs, bark, and leaves of maple-leaf viburnum. These small mammals find the plant’s tender shoots and young leaves especially appetizing. As a gardener, I have often found evidence of rabbit nibbling on my viburnum shrubs, leaving behind telltale signs of their presence.
3. Mice: Mice are known to consume the fruits of maple-leaf viburnum. The small berries provide them with a valuable food source, particularly during the fall and winter months. The dense growth habit of the shrub provides mice with shelter and protection from predators.
4. Skunks: Skunks are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of foods, including the fruits of maple-leaf viburnum. While not a primary food source, skunks may occasionally indulge in these berries when available. The shrub’s dense foliage also provides skunks with a safe place to hide and rest.
5. Ruffed Grouse: Ruffed grouse, a popular game bird, rely on maple-leaf viburnum for both food and cover. They feed on the berries and use the shrub’s dense growth to seek protection from predators. As an avid bird watcher, I have had the pleasure of observing ruffed grouse foraging on the fruits of maple-leaf viburnum in their natural habitat.
6. Ring-necked Pheasants: Pheasants are another bird species that benefit from the fruits of maple-leaf viburnum. These vibrant birds consume the berries as part of their diet, especially during the winter months when other food sources are limited. The shrub’s dense structure offers pheasants a safe place to roost and seek shelter.
7. Wild Turkeys: Wild turkeys are known to eat the fruits of maple-leaf viburnum, particularly during the fall and winter seasons. These berries provide a vital food source for turkeys, helping them sustain their energy levels during colder months. The shrub’s low-growing nature also offers wild turkeys suitable nesting sites and escape cover.
8. Songbirds: Maple-leaf viburnum is highly valued by several species of songbirds. These birds feed on the berries, which are rich in fats and nutrients, aiding in their migration and survival. I have often seen colorful songbirds such as robins, bluebirds, and cedar waxwings flocking to my viburnum shrubs to feast on the ripe fruits.
Maple-leaf viburnum plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by providing food and shelter to various animals. Its foliage, twigs, bark, and fruits are consumed by deer, rabbits, mice, skunks, ruffed grouse, ring-necked pheasants, wild turkeys, and numerous species of songbirds. As a gardener and nature enthusiast, I find joy in observing the diverse array of wildlife that relies on this versatile and resourceful plant.
