Viburnum prunifolium
blackhaw
Overview
Viburnum prunifolium is a deciduous shrub or small tree 12-15 ft (3.7-4.6 m) tall and occasionally to 30 ft (9 m), with stiff, spreading branches that form a dense, rounded to flat-topped crown. The opposite, finely toothed leaves are 1-3 in (2.5-7.5 cm) long, oval, and glossy dark green, turning red to purple in autumn. In mid spring, flat clusters 2-4 in (5-10 cm) wide carry many small white flowers, followed by drooping clusters of blue-black, waxy-coated drupes about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) long in late summer and autumn. The ripe fruit is sweet and edible and is taken by birds and mammals. The plant suckers from the roots and can spread into a thicket if the suckers are left in place. It tolerates a wide range of soils and conditions, including dry shade, but flowers and fruits more heavily in sun. It grows in woodland edges, thickets, and fence rows across the eastern and central United States.
Native Range
Native to the eastern and central United States, from Connecticut and Michigan south to Florida and Texas, where it grows in woodland edges, thickets, clearings, and fence rows.Suggested Uses
Used as a specimen, hedge, screen, or small shade tree, and in shrub borders and naturalised or wildlife plantings. The spring flowers support pollinators and the fruit feeds birds, while the dense habit suits informal hedging and woodland edges.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height12' - 15'
Width/Spread6' - 12'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in mid to late spring, mainly April to May. The flat white flower clusters open over about two weeks and draw many small pollinators. Fruit develops through summer and ripens blue-black from late summer into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight