The Leatherleaf Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum) is native to China and has been cultivated in Europe as a robust ornamental shrub since the beginning of the 20th century.
The heavy and remarkably hard wood emits a characteristic, somewhat unpleasant scent when fresh. In terms of color, it can be divided into a narrow, whitish to reddish-white sapwood and a clearly distinct yellowish-brown heartwood. The annual rings are only faintly visible in the wood's grain, indicating a very fine and dense structure.
Growth and Dimensions: Viburnum primarily grows as a shrub but can reach the form of small trees up to 3 meters in height under favorable conditions. Due to this natural growth habit, the available timber dimensions are limited, making the material an exclusive niche product for specialized applications.
Use in Archery: The wood holds outstanding significance in **traditional archery**. Known globally by the name **"Arrowwood,"** its straight shoots are prized for crafting superior arrow shafts. Thanks to its fibrous structure, the wood is extremely **elastic and shatter-resistant**, which is essential for withstanding the kinetic stress when shot from a longbow.
Processing: Despite its hardness, this fine-pored wood can be processed and smoothed very cleanly. Due to the small diameters, it is used not only for arrow making but also occasionally for small woodturning projects or fine inlays.