Northern wild raisin, Withe rod, Nannyberry, Apalachian false paraguay tea
Viburnum cassinoides
Family: Adoxaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows 3.5 m tall and spreads 3 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The new growth is bronze colour. The leaves turn red in autumn. The leaves are thick and oval. They are dull green and have fine teeth. The flowers are white or yellow. The fruit are deep blue or black.
There are about 150 Viburnum species. Also put in the family Caprifoliaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 2-6. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, North America, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
The fruit can be eaten. The dried leaves can be used to make tea. They are steamed then rolled between the fingers and allowed to stand overnight then dried in an oven.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves - tea