When does Viburnum nudum bloom?

Smooth witherod produces its small white flower clusters in May and June.

What growing conditions suit Viburnum nudum best?

This shrub does best in consistently moist to wet soil and part sun, though it tolerates part shade with somewhat reduced flowering.

What pollinators visit Smooth witherod flowers?

Native bees, syrphid flies, and beetles visit the flowers for pollen and nectar.

Does Viburnum nudum keep its leaves year round?

No, it is deciduous. The foliage often turns red or purple before dropping in fall.

What kind of habitat does Smooth witherod grow in naturally?

It is commonly found in swamps, bogs, pond margins, and other low, wet woodland areas across warm temperate and coastal climates.

Smooth witherod

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Viburnum nudum

Last reviewed: November 2026

Smooth witherod is a deciduous shrub suited to wet soils and part sun, with flat clusters of white flowers in May and June followed by pink to blue fall fruit.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Smooth witherod, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Smooth witherod (Viburnum nudum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

60"–144" H × 60"–120" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DC and 17 more states

Pollinators

native bees, syrphid flies, beetles

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

A glossy-leaved shrub with flat creamy flower clusters followed by berries that shift through pink and blue to near black, often several colors at once. Foliage turns deep maroon in fall. It takes wet soil better than most shrubs of its size.

Growing Smooth witherod

Grow Smooth witherod in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 60 to 144 inches tall and spread 60 to 120 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The fruit is high-value fall forage for migrating songbirds, and the flat flower clusters feed short-tongued bees and flies.

Common questions

When does Viburnum nudum bloom?: Smooth witherod produces its small white flower clusters in May and June.
What growing conditions suit Viburnum nudum best?: This shrub does best in consistently moist to wet soil and part sun, though it tolerates part shade with somewhat reduced flowering.
What pollinators visit Smooth witherod flowers?: Native bees, syrphid flies, and beetles visit the flowers for pollen and nectar.
Does Viburnum nudum keep its leaves year round?: No, it is deciduous. The foliage often turns red or purple before dropping in fall.
What kind of habitat does Smooth witherod grow in naturally?: It is commonly found in swamps, bogs, pond margins, and other low, wet woodland areas across warm temperate and coastal climates.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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