Viburnum nudum (Possumhaw Viburnum)

A genuinely underutilized, confirmed drought-tolerant viburnum despite its wetland origins, possumhaw is a documented larval host for both the Spring Azure butterfly and Hummingbird Clearwing moth - arguably the easiest native viburnum to cultivate, adapting to nearly any soil and light condition once established.

Species Overview

Viburnum nudum, commonly called possumhaw or smooth witherod, is a dense, deciduous shrub native to savannas, low wet woods, and bogs along the eastern seaboard, typically growing 8 to 15 feet tall. Aromatic, flat-topped clusters of white flowers bloom in late spring, followed by berries that ripen unevenly through shades of pink, blue, and purplish-black on the same cluster.

Application

• Wetland, bog, and pond-margin restoration
• Larval host habitat for the Spring Azure butterfly and Hummingbird Clearwing moth
• Rain garden and water garden plantings
• Adaptable landscape plantings - tolerates a wide range of soil and light conditions

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Full Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist to occasionally wet, acidic soils; highly adaptable
• Drought Tolerance: High - within its natural range, once established
• Flood Tolerance: High - Explicitly documented as flood tolerant; native habitat includes savannas, low wet woods, bogs, and floodplains, with a strong preference for wet, mucky, acidic soils.
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Mature Height: 8-15 ft.
• Fall Color: Red-Purple
• Bloom Color / Period: White; May-June
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Moist-Wet
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Deer Resistance: Some (Rutgers rates the genus "seldom severely damaged")
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed/Thicket-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports butterflies, supports moths

Planting Guidance

• Confirmed tolerant of flooding, cold, insects, and disease. Does not require pruning to maintain a nice, rounded, symmetrical shape; berry production is best with more than one shrub for cross-pollination.