Wild Raisin Viburnum

Viburnum cassinoides (syn. Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides)


There are a few native viburnums in Massachusetts; this one is a signature species of the southeastern part of the state with its pine and oak woods and coastal habitats. The rather large, beautiful shrub is quite common in Plymouth—in Myles Standish SF, Alper Preserve, and elsewhere in forests and along wetland margins. The branchlets, buds, and lustrous, leathery leaves of wild raisin are always opposite (as in every viburnum). The remarkable fruits change their color twice while ripening: first from lemon-yellow to pink, then from pink to dark blue, often all the three contrasting colors mixed together on the same plant. The stage when the fruits become sweet, with a "raisin" taste is during the moment when they are dark blue and start to wrinkle.

See all photos for this species at salicicola.com


June 7, Wareham


August 17, Plymouth


The blue, wrinkled berries taste rather sweet, resembling raisins. August 19, Plymouth


September 1, Myles Standish SF, Plymouth


November 12


April 2, Ellisville, Plymouth


April 21, Taunton