A correspondent is trying to identify this understory plant growing in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area in rich clay soil among box elders, oaks, basswood and maples. Although it resembles Acer spicatum, that plant would be unusual here and leaf texture, venation and petiole color and probably other characteristics do not match.
I'm not certain, but have a read through this: Viburnum edule (Squashberry): Minnesota Wildflowers and note that the leaves on the young plants are different from older plants. I would like to see a good photo of the buds. I spent a summer doing a riparian plant survey in Manitoba, I see some things I recognize in the background, like wild grape.
We took a look (online) at some viburnums including V. acerifolium but the leaves appear to be finely toothed while those in the above photos are not. So how much license does genetic diversity allow when it comes to such characteristics? Thanks a lot.
Most leaves of this species are finely toothed so I discounted the ID until I learned the leaves can be toothy or not. Viburnum opulus var. americanum (American Highbush Cranberry): Minnesota Wildflowers Thanks for putting us on the right track.
