Viburnum dentatum, or arrowwood viburnum, is a deciduous shrub that grows upright with rounded and multi-stemmed branches. It typically reaches a height of 6-10 feet with a similar spread, but under ideal growing conditions, it can grow up to 15 feet.

The shrub produces non-fragrant white flowers in flat-topped clusters that are about 4 inches in diameter, blooming in late spring. These flowers later develop into blue-black, berry-like drupes attractive to birds and other wildlife. The plant has ovate, toothed, glossy dark green leaves that can grow up to 4 inches long. In the fall, the leaves turn various colors from dull yellow to vibrant shades of orange and red.