The largest and most conspicuous of this genus, and the one that seems
to me to bear the most resemblance to the English Wayfaring-tree, is the
Sweet Viburnum. It is a tall and wide-spreading shrub, with numerous
branches and dense and elegant foliage, making a compact and
well-rounded head. The leaves are single and opposite, finely serrate,
and with prominent veins. Many of our shrubs produce more showy flowers,
but few surpass it in the beauty of its fruit. The berries are of the
size of damsons, hanging profusely from the branches like clusters of
grapes. They are dark purple when ripe, with a lustre that is not seen
in the grape. Just before they ripen they are crimson, and berries of
this color are often blended with the ripened fruit. Like the English
Wayfaring-tree, the office of this shrub seems to be to overshadow the
unfrequented byways, and afford coolness and refreshment to the
traveller.