Smooth Viburnum

Viburnum nudum

Smooth viburnum earns its place with the fruit display. In late summer and fall, berry clusters shift from green to pink to rose to dark blue-black, with different stages often present on the same shrub at the same time. a color show that lasts weeks and feeds birds the whole time. Bluebirds, cedar waxwings, and robins especially favor these berries in fall migration. The foliage is notably glossy, with a deep lustrous green that contrasts beautifully with the berries. It grows naturally in wet, sunny thickets and pond edges but tolerates average garden moisture well enough. Fall color is a rich burgundy-red. Plant two or more individuals near each other for cross-pollination and the most abundant fruit set.