Viburnum nudum

Common Names

Possumhaw Viburnum, Smooth Witherod, Possumhaw, Possum Haw, Wild Raisin

Summary

Possumhaw viburnum (Viburnum nudum) is a native eastern U.S. deciduous shrub or small multi-stemmed tree that typically reaches about 6–12 feet tall and wide, often growing in wetlands, swamps, margins of vernal ponds, and other moist sites with acidic, well-drained soil, its glossy green leaves contrast with fall color that ranges from red to purple, and spring is marked by white, flat-topped flower clusters followed by showy drupes that ripen pink, blue, and finally purple-black, colors that may appear on the plant at the same time, berries are eaten by songbirds and other wildlife, the plant also supports pollinators and serves as a larval host for the Spring Azure butterfly, contributing three-season interest with foliage, flowers, and fruit, and the edible drupes can be used in jams, in cultivation, Viburnum nudum prefers sun to part shade and evenly moist, acidic, well-drained soil, tolerating a range of soils and even wet conditions, it is hardy in USDA zones 5–9 and suitable for hedges, borders, rain gardens, pond margins, wetlands restoration, and wildlife habitat, for best berry production, plant two or more shrubs near each other, and propagation is commonly done by cuttings or seeds, the fruiting provides food for birds, while the plant supports pollinators and butterfly larvae, making it a useful addition to wildlife-focused landscapes

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-12 feet

Spread

60-144 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade, with best berry and flower production in full sun.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained acidic loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Moist to wet, well-drained soil

Soil pH

Below 6.0 to about 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic/neutral).

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green, with red to purple in autumn.

Fall Foliage Color

Red to purple, scarlet, reddish-purple, burgundy-purple

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium to fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds