Smooth witherod (Viburnum nudum, Sp. Pl.: 268 (1753))

Family: Viburnaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 268 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viburnum

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. U.S.A. to E. Texas

Description

The Smooth witherod, known scientifically as Viburnum nudum, is a captivating flowering plant hailing from the diverse and rich landscapes of Eastern United States, extending towards Eastern Texas. Belonging to the Viburnaceae family, this species graces an array of environments with its presence, from moist forests to the more rugged terrains within its geographical span.

First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” Smooth witherod has captured the attention of botanists and horticulturists alike with its distinctive characteristics. The plant typically showcases rich green leaves that transform into striking shades of purple and red during the fall, adding seasonal interest and color to the landscape. Its smooth, oval-shaped foliage is accompanied by clusters of small, delicate white flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

As the flowering phase progresses, the plant goes on to produce distinctive, berry-like drupes that transition from pink to blue-black as they mature. These fruits not only add visual appeal but also serve as a food source for various bird species, thereby playing an important role in the local ecosystem.

Smooth witherod thrives best in environments with moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. Its adaptability makes it a popular choice for naturalistic plantings and restoration projects, particularly in wetland areas where its root systems contribute to soil stabilization and erosion control.

In cultivation, Viburnum nudum requires minimal maintenance, making it a practical yet aesthetically pleasing addition to gardens and horticultural displays. Its durability, along with its seasonally dynamic foliage and fruitful bounty, underscores its enduring appeal in both wild and managed landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: possum haw, possumhaw, possumhaw viburnum, smooth witherod, wild raisin
En: Smooth witherod, Possum haw, Possumhaw, Possumhaw viburnum, Wild raisin
Ar: رباطية جرداء
Fa: بداغ آمریکایی

Synonyms

• Viburnum laurifolium (Raf.)
• Viburnum nudum var. serotinum (Ravenel ex Chapm.)
• Tynus nudus ((L.) J.Presl)
• Viburnum oleifolium (Tausch)
• Viburnum nudum var. grandifolium (A.Gray)
• Viburnum nudum var. nitidum (Zabel)
• Viburnum nudum var. claytonii (Torr. & A.Gray)
• Viburnum anglicum (Dippel)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Aug 29, 2021 by norbert verneau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2022 by Tim Daniel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Ning chao (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 1, 2020 by Dominic Lemire (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Chen Mary (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2020 by Dominic Lemire (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2022 by A M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2021 by Kevin Johansson (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 17, 2013 by EOL − Kent McFarland (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 23, 2015 by EOL − Laura Clark (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 23, 2015 by EOL − Laura Clark (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by kris krishughescraig (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Denis Gordinier (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 17, 2020 by chantale veilleux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2011 by EOL − Homer Edward Price (cc-by)

Taken Sep 15, 2013 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 2, 2013 by EOL − Kent McFarland (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 2, 2013 by EOL − Kent McFarland (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Nov 14, 2022 by Nancy Feltman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Perry Perry Rancourt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2019 by lnu’skw (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888627)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:326267-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viburnum nudum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Shrub, Tree

Growth