Witch-hobble, Maya-hobble



Maya tangled in witch-hobble

A fun thing about traveling in new places is learning about the plants that are native to the region.  Going east this year, the learning curve has been steep.  Sometimes as we hike along a trail with many unfamiliar plants, it is obvious that we are “not in Texas anymore.”   So we take some pictures and get out the guide books or go on-line and try to make an ID.  Sometimes a park ranger or an interpretive sign on a nature trail will help us out.  It may take a little time, but we usually find out what the ‘mystery’ plant is.

 

Witch-hobble blooming

 

One such interesting plant that has appeared on trails from northern Georgia to Maine is witch-hobble (Viburnum lantanoides) also called hobblebush.  We first noticed the beautiful blooms in early spring just as the plant was beginning to put on leaves.  Witch-hobble has very distinctive white blooms with smaller central blossoms surrounded by larger marginal flowers.  The blooms are located between opposite leaves that are heavily veined and can grow to 4 or more inches.  The leaves are usually green but some plants have more reddish leaves with green veins.

Witch-hobble with more reddish leaves

Besides the beautiful appearance, we were intrigued by the name.  A sign on a nature trail said that according to legend it was believed this plant kept witches away.   What was that all about?  After a little digging we discovered that witch-hobble grows long stems that can root when they touch the ground thus creating a bush with many ‘loops’ that could tangle or ‘hobble’ even a witch. 

 

Witch-hobble with berries and leaves starting to turn

 

As we traveled farther north we continued to notice witch-hobble growing in many shady and moist places and were able to observe its tangled growth habit.  Maya, though not a witch, managed to hobble herself in it quite often.  So we jokingly started referring to the plant as, “Maya-hobble.”

 

Fall leaf color

 

As summer progressed blooms faded and leaves grew large and lush with some plants growing to heights of 6 feet or more.  In August, the greenish berries became bright red.  And then as if all this weren’t spectacular enough, fall arrived and the leaves started turning a variety of stunning colors.  Some plants had mostly solid yellow or orange leaves.  Others were more red with green veins.  But many had almost checkered or paisley leaves of yellow, red, green, and magenta.  The variety and pattern of color was so unique and beautiful, seducing me to take way too many photos of witch-hobble leaves. With Halloween drawing near, maybe this would be a good plant to consider for ‘witch defense.’