Smooth Withe Rod, Possumhaw, Withe-rod, Swamp Haw, Smooth Witherod, Possum Haw Viburnum, Possum Haw

Viburnum nudum

Physical Characteristics

Viburnum nudum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Maryland to Florida, west to Arkansas and Kentucky.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[3, 105]. It usually has a sweetish flavour[2, 183] but is sometimes bitter[43] and is usually unpalatable[227]. The ovoid fruit is about 8mm long and contains a single large seed[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Diuretic Tonic A tea made from the bark is antispasmodic, diuretic, tonic and uterine sedative[222].

Known Hazards

None known