Wild Raisin Viburnum

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 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 fruits become sweet and take on a "raisin" taste as they turn dark blue and start to wrinkle.

Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides