Witherod is a shrub that is common beside the trails near Withrod Lake in Long Lake Park. The plant has several names. It’s often called “Wild Raisin” in Nova Scotia. The scientific name is Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides. “Withe” is an old English word for a bendy stick that is woven into a basket, and withe-rod plants are very good for this purpose. Withrod and witherod are the same word with different spellings as often happens with old words. Not surprisingly, “wild raisins” are suitable for eating, though it’s best to leave them for the birds in Long Lake Park. Many birds need to fill their fuel tanks at this time of year in preparation for migration.
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