Alphabetical Plant Listing

Viburnum nudum (Withe Rod)

Withe Rod, Smooth Witherod, American Withe Rod, Possumhaw Viburnum, Possumhaw


Noted for its breathtaking berry display, Viburnum nudum (Withe Rod) is a rounded, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a showy foliage of very shiny oval leaves, which turns deep wine-red in the fall. In early to midsummer, the shrub is covered with flat-topped clusters, 2-5 in. wide (5-12 cm), of creamy white flowers. Their nectar provides a food source for bees and butterflies. They are followed by large clusters of berries maturing from green to vibrant pink and blue, and remaining after the leaves have fallen. All colors often present at the same time, which adds interest to the landscape. The berries are edible but highly acidic. They attract songbirds, water birds, shorebirds and small mammals. Native to eastern North America, Withe Rod occurs naturally in low woods, swamps and bogs. It forms a dense shrub, compact and rounded in youth, with upright, then spreading, arching branches as it matures. Use Withe Rod in groups for massing or in a shrub border. 

  • Grows up to 5-12 ft. tall and wide (150-360 cm).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils. Very adaptable to various soils and light conditions. Tolerates poor drainage and wet areas.
  • Perfect for shrub borders, hedges and screens and foundation plantings, near ponds and streams.
  • Low maintenance, this plant is virtually pest and disease free.
  • Prune as needed in fall
  • Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. If seeds must be stored, they will need a period of stratification.
  • Native to eastern North America.

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Viburnum
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 5' – 12' (150cm – 3.6m)
Spread 5' – 12' (150cm – 3.6m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Guides with Viburnum


Josiah Lau Photography, DC Gardens, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Viburnum
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 5' – 12' (150cm – 3.6m)
Spread 5' – 12' (150cm – 3.6m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Guides with Viburnum

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