Viburnum nudum aka Smooth Witherod

Viburnum nudum is a deciduous shrub known as smooth witherod or possumhaw. It belongs to the Viburnaceae family. Its native range covers the eastern United States into eastern Texas. It grows in wet woods, swamps, bogs, and savannas. In gardens, it reaches 5–12 feet [1.5–3.66 metres] tall and wide. Some plants reach 20 feet [6.1 metres] and form small trees.

Several stems form an upright shrub with a rounded, spreading crown. Growth proceeds at a medium rate. The smooth bark is gray-brown, with scattered raised lenticels. Slender, shiny stems have a reddish-brown tint. The simple leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. They are oval to narrow, with glossy, dark green tops. Leaves reach about 0.33 feet [0.10 metres] long. Their edges may be smooth or slightly toothed. In fall, the leaves can turn red or reddish-purple.

Small, fragrant white flowers form broad, flat-topped cymes. Bloom dates span April through June across the sources. The flowers give way to clusters of oval drupes. Fruit changes from pink through blue to near-black as it ripens. One cluster can hold several colors at the same time. The fruit display lasts from August into October. Planting several shrubs helps cross-pollination and improves the fruit crop. Birds and squirrels eat the fruit. Deer browse the leaves and twigs. The shrub may host spring azure butterflies and hummingbird clearwing moths.

Grow it in full sun or part shade. It prefers acidic, moist soil that drains well. It also accepts clay, loam, sand, and some boggy sites. Sources report tolerance of heat, drought, and compacted soil. USDA hardiness reports cover zones 5–9, though Chicago lists 5–8. It suits hedges, shrub borders, foundation beds, and roadside plantings. Wet low spots and pond edges also suit this shrub. Prune lightly in fall when needed. Pruning after bloom removes some of the later fruit display.

Sources report few serious pest or disease problems. NC State also flags purple mite as a possible problem. The ripe fruit is edible and can be made into jam. Reports differ on taste, from sweetish to bitter or sharply acidic. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for pets. The same source records traditional medicinal use of bark tea. It gives the plant a low medicinal rating.