Photo Courtesy of Michael Dirr

A native species inhabiting Canada and the eastern United States and westward to Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky.  Closely related to V. dentatum.  Habit is relatively compact with fine twiggy branching and can be found growing in the understory.  White flowers in May on 1½-3" cymes.  Fruits are red maturing to black, 1/3" long but almost obscured by the foliage.  Fall color is muted red to russet-red.  Rafinesquianum will survive in impoverished soil, sun or shade, and heat and drought.  A sturdy plant for woodland conditions for the native plant enthusiast.  Zone (3)4