Viburnum nudum (Possumhaw)
Regular price
$18.00
Plant Specifications
Bloom Period: Spring
Size: 5' - 12' tall
Uses: Rain gardens , Pollinator gardens, Foundation plantings, Shaded gardens, Hedges and borders
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Moisture: Average, Moist, Wet
Soil Type: Clay, Sandy, Loam
Please note: WBN does not ship potted plants. Please see our pickup instructions for details.
Viburnum nudum, known as smooth witherod, possumhaw, or wild raisin, is a shrub inhabiting wetlands, swamps, edges of ponds and streams, and even seasonally standing water. It prefers moist soils, but can also grow in average garden soils that don't fully dry. Depending on conditions, it can grow between 6 - 12 feet tall, forming a broad, multi-stemmed shrub, though it stays shorter in average gardens, and is a lovely foundation specimen.
This deciduous plant has attractive glossy, dark green leaves. In late spring to early summer it produces large clusters of cream-white flowers. Its fruits develop in clusters that ripen through several striking colors—green, white, pink, red, and finally deep blue to blue-black. Different stages occur on the same cluster, creating a unique multicolored display. Fruit formation is increased with having multiple shrubs nearby, so for berries consider planting at least two nearby each other.
The common name "wild raisin" refers to the fruits, which become wrinkled and raisin-like as they mature. The fruits are an important food source for songbirds and other wildlife. Birds such as thrushes, bluebirds, and other fruit-eating species may feed on the berries, particularly later in the season when other foods become scarce. In fall, the leaves turn bright shades of pink, red, burgundy, or purple before dropping.
Our plants are propagated by seed from wild populations in Henrico County and Richmond County, Virginia.