Northern Wild Raisin
Other names
Witherod Viburnum, Withe-Rod, Appalachian Tea, Swamp Haw, Tea-Berry, Wild Raisin
Growth habit
Shrub
Perennation
Long-lived polycarpic perennial
Native distribution
Newfndl. to NC and MN
Location
Source of plant
Arborvillage Farm Nursery, McGowan Tract, Gardens of the Blue Ridge, John Morse, Cornell Botanic Gardens
Description
Handsome dense shrub, compact, rounded with spreading, finally slightly arching branches. Dull dark green foliage changes to orange-red, dull crimson, and purple in the fall; the emerging leaves are often bronze or purple tinted. Flowers are creamy white, June to early July, borne in 2-5" diameter flat-topped cymes. The fruit changes from green to pink, then from red to blue before becoming black in September; often all colors are present in the same infructescence; spectacular in fruit. Plants reach 5-6' in height with a similar spread, although the author mentions having seen plants in the 12-15' height range.
USDA Hardiness Zone
3
Special characteristics
fruiting characteristics, fall color