Possumhaw viburnum

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

5-12 ft. tall
5-12 ft. wide

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Hardwood and softwood cuttings can be used for propagation.

Plant Planting Notes

A multi-stemmed shrub requiring up to 12′ spacing.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Opposite, simple leaves with entire margins. Leaf blades elliptical to oblong.

Flowers

Small saucer-shaped flowers with 4-5 petals in clusters arranged in a cyme.

Fruit

Drupes form in fall and exhibit a contrast of pink and blue-black coloration.

Bark

Smooth gray-brown with warty lenticels.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Fruits are acidic, but edible.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Found in bogs, floodplains, swamps, pond margins, and wooded seeps.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the Coastal, Sandhill, and Piedmont regions. Rare in the Mountains.