Smooth Wither Rod
Viburnum nudum
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Pl. F56F — Viburnum nudum
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IOverview
Overview
Smooth Wither Rod (Viburnum nudum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States, ranging from Florida and Georgia northward through Virginia and West Virginia. Known for its edible fruits and ornamental value, it thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are light, medium, or heavy (clay). This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in zones 5-9. Its fruit can be enjoyed as a treat, adding a touch of sweetness to local cuisine. One distinctive feature of Smooth Wither Rod is its ability to grow up to 4.5 meters tall, making it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Smooth Wither Rod?
Smooth Wither Rod (Viburnum nudum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States, ranging from Florida and Georgia northward through Virginia and West Virginia.
What is Smooth Wither Rod used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Smooth Wither Rod
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Viburnum species have been traditionally used in Native American medicine to support immune health, often prepared as a decoction. Smooth Wither Rod may help bolster the body's defenses against seasonal challenges.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but likely involves polyphenols and other bioactive compounds that modulate immune responses.
- Viburnum species have a long history in traditional medicine for digestive issues, often prepared as a tea. Smooth Wither Rod may help alleviate occasional stomach discomfort.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but likely involves compounds that interact with the gastrointestinal tract to support digestion and reduce inflammation.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Smooth Wither Rod thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. This shrub/tree grows up to 4.5 meters tall and produces edible fruit. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-drained for best results. Propagation can be done through cuttings or seeds.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Shrub, Tree
Mature size
4.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Smooth Wither Rod for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Smooth Wither Rod in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
A Smooth Wither Rod plant, garden gloves, a trowel, and some mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.0-7.0; amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery, digging a hole twice the size of the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid direct sun during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water weekly in dry spells and mulch around the base for moisture retention. Prune lightly after flowering.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to shape the plant or remove dead branches; fruit can be harvested when ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Smooth Wither Rod can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often harvested when ripe and consumed fresh, adding a sweet flavor to salads or desserts. The fruits can also be dried for later use, preserving their taste and nutritional value.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 21 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Connecticut, Florida, South Carolina
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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