How Much Oxygen Does the Arrowwood Viburnum Shrub Produce?

The arrowwood viburnum shrub is a popular landscaping plant known for its ability to produce bountiful white spring flowers and vibrant red berries in the fall. But beyond its visual appeal, this hardy shrub contributes in a meaningful way to the ecosystem through oxygen production. So how much oxygen does an arrowwood viburnum shrub actually produce? Let’s take a closer look.

An Overview of Arrowwood Viburnum

The arrowwood viburnum belongs to the Viburnum genus which contains over 150 species of shrubs and small trees. Some of its other common names include southern arrowwood, wayfaring tree, and blue haw. This deciduous shrub is native to eastern North America and is found growing naturally in woodlands, forest margins, and along stream banks.

Arrowwood viburnum can reach heights between 6-15 feet and spreads out horizontally between 6-12 feet wide. It features serrated, oval shaped leaves that emerge light green in spring and turn to a darker forest green as they mature. The leaves transition to reddish-purple hues in the fall.

From May to June the shrub becomes covered in flat-topped clusters of small white flowers. These fragrant blossoms give way to juicy red berries in late summer that persist into the winter. The berries provide an excellent food source for birds and wildlife.

This plant is valued for its multi-season interest, low maintenance, and adaptability to various soil conditions It also has wildlife benefits and can be used for erosion control Arrowwood viburnum is popular in home gardens, parks, and naturalized areas.

How Plants Produce Oxygen

Plants like the arrowwood viburnum produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide from the air, along with water from the soil, into glucose for growth.

Oxygen is released as a byproduct of photosynthesis and emitted into the atmosphere through the plant’s stomata – tiny pores on the underside of the leaves. This oxygen is critical for replenishing the earth’s supply and supporting aerobic life.

The amount of oxygen produced depends on several factors:

• Leaf surface area – The total surface area of a plant’s leaves determines how much light it can absorb for photosynthesis. More leaves mean more oxygen released.

• Light exposure – Access to sufficient sunlight fuels the chemical reactions involved in photosynthesis. More light equals higher photosynthetic activity and oxygen production.

• Health – The overall vigor and health of a plant impacts its photosynthetic capacity Healthy, robust plants produce more oxygen than stressed or diseased ones

• Species – Some plant species are inherently more efficient at photosynthesis than others. Their molecular makeup allows them to release more oxygen.

Estimating Oxygen Production

Several scientific studies have aimed to quantify oxygen production for various plant species. While estimates vary, most experts agree that the average shrub releases between 100-250 pounds of oxygen per year.

According to one model, a young arrowwood viburnum shrub with a diameter of 1 inch can produce around 100 pounds of oxygen annually. More established specimens with diameters between 3-4 inches may generate closer to 250 pounds per year.

To put this in perspective, a mature arrowwood viburnum shrub produces enough oxygen to meet the demands of:

• 1 adult human for 1-2 days
• 2 adults for a half day
• 1 child for 3-4 days

Maximizing Oxygen Output

Properly caring for your arrowwood viburnum will help maximize its oxygen contributions. Here are some tips:

• Prune strategically to open the center and improve air flow and light penetration. This stimulates photosynthetic activity.

• Water adequately and fertilize lightly to support growth without overdoing it. Excessive fertilizer can damage the photosynthetic process.

• Plant in full to part sun. At least 4 hours of direct sun per day is ideal. Too much shade will hinder photosynthesis.

• Protect from pests and diseases which stress the plant and diminish oxygen output.

• Remove competing weeds so the viburnum can access more resources.

The Takeaway

While we may primarily prize arrowwood viburnum for its ornamental qualities, this versatile shrub also provides the critical ecological service of oxygen production. A mature, healthy arrowwood viburnum can generate 100-250 pounds of oxygen per year – enough for 1-2 adults daily oxygen needs. Proper planting and care will ensure your shrub keeps pumping out oxygen to support the web of life in your landscape.