Withe Rod, Appalachian Tea, Witherod Viburnum, Witherod, Wild Raisin Viburnum

Viburnum cassinoides

Physical Characteristics

Viburnum cassinoides is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Manitoba, Minnesota, New Jersey, Georgia and Alabama.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[3, 46, 62, 65, 101]. The scant flesh is sweet and well flavoured, hanging on the plant well into the winter[183]. The oval fruit is about 10mm long and contains a single large seed[235, K]. The leaves are used as a tea substitute[46, 61]. A pleasant taste[183]. The leaves are steamed over boiling water, rolled between the fingers, allowed to stand overnight and then dried in an oven to be used as required[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Diaphoretic Febrifuge Mouthwash Tonic The bark and root bark is antispasmodic, diaphoretic, febrifuge and tonic. An infusion has been used to treat recurrent spasms, fevers, smallpox and ague. The infusion has also been used as a wash for a sore tongue.

Known Hazards

None known