Fauna
Plant

Laurustinus Viburnum

Viburnum tinus

Also known as Laurustine

Laurustinus is a dense evergreen shrub celebrated across the Mediterranean for bridging the coldest months with vibrant floral color. Flattened umbels of blush-pink buds open into starry white blooms that flower continuously from late autumn well into early spring, providing an indispensable winter nectar source for emerging bumblebees and hoverflies. As flowers fade, they mature into distinctive clusters of metallic, deep metallic-blue drupes that songbirds greedily consume and disperse throughout scrubland understories.

EvergreenWinter-BloomingMediterranean
Laurustinus Viburnum reference
(c) Ettore Balocchi, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Viburnum Leaf Beetle
  • Black Bean Aphid
  • Thrips
ThreatsViburnum leaf beetle defoliation, extreme winter hard freezes, and urban clearance
HabitatsMediterranean scrub, maquis, open oak woodlands, rocky hillsides, and coastal gardens
Life span30–50 years
Classification
  1. OrderDipsacales
  2. FamilyViburnaceae
  3. GenusViburnum
  4. SpeciesViburnum tinus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Berries cause digestive distress if eaten; wild berries also have toxic look-alikes, so never ingest.
Why it is dangerous
Contains bitter glycosides and tannins that provoke stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if leaves or fruit are swallowed in volume.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for glossy, oval leathery leaves, dense clusters of pink-to-white flowers in winter, and metallic iridescent blue-black fruits.
What to do
Keep ornamental plantings out of reach of curious pets and toddlers, and never harvest wild berries for culinary use.
Responsible observation
  • Pruning Time: Trim lightly in late spring after flowering completes so summer growth can set next winter's flower buds.
  • Pollinator Shelter: Site in sheltered, sunny borders to offer early season nectar to winter-active bees and hoverflies.
  • Leaf Monitoring: Inspect lower leaf surfaces in spring to intercept skeletonizing viburnum leaf beetle larvae early.
Related species
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