1 / 10

Viburnum rufidulum

rusty blackhaw

Viburnaceae

South-central and southeastern United States

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Viburnum rufidulum is a deciduous large shrub or small tree in the Viburnaceae, typically 10-25 feet (3-7.6 m) tall and 8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 m) wide, occasionally taller in the wild. The glossy, leathery leaves are oval, 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, with finely toothed edges, dark green above and paler below; the leaf stalks and winter buds are coated in rust-colored hairs that give the plant its common name. In mid- to late spring it bears flat-topped clusters (cymes) of small white flowers 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) across. These are followed in late summer by drooping clusters of oval, blue-black drupes about 0.5 inch (13 mm) long, each with a waxy bloom, which are eaten by birds and other wildlife. In autumn the foliage turns shades of red to purple-red. The bark breaks into small, blocky plates resembling alligator hide on older trunks. It grows in well-drained upland woods, slopes, and fencerows, tolerating drought, heat, and a range of soils once established. Growth is slow, and the species can sucker to form thickets where stems are not removed.

Native Range

Native to the south-central and southeastern United States, from Virginia and Kansas south to Texas and Florida. It grows in dry upland woods, rocky slopes, glades, and along fencerows and woodland edges.

Suggested Uses

Viburnum rufidulum is used as a small specimen tree, in shrub borders, woodland edges, and native or wildlife plantings across the southern United States. Its spring flowers, blue-black fruit, and red autumn color give multiple seasons of interest, and the fruit draws birds. It suits naturalized areas and dry, sunny sites where many shrubs grow poorly.

How to Identify

Look for rust-colored, felt-like hairs on the leaf stalks, buds, and young twigs, the trait behind the name rusty blackhaw. The leaves are glossy, leathery, and finely toothed, with a short winged stalk. Mature bark is dark and broken into small blocky plates like alligator skin, and the late-summer fruit is blue-black with a waxy coating.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 25'

Width/Spread8' - 15'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

red

purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Flat clusters of white flowers open in mid- to late spring, usually April to May, as or just after the leaves expand. Bloom lasts about two to three weeks. The flowers are followed by green fruit that ripens to blue-black by late summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-12 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Viburnum rufidulum grows in full sun to part shade on well-drained soils of almost any texture, including dry, rocky, and alkaline ground. Established plants tolerate drought, heat, and poor soil, though growth is faster with occasional water and richer soil. It transplants more readily when young because older plants form deep roots. Flowering and fruiting are heaviest in full sun. Fruit set is improved when more than one plant is grown for cross-pollination. The species has few serious pests, with occasional leaf spot or powdery mildew in damp, shaded sites.

Pruning

Prune after flowering in late spring to shape the plant or remove crossing and dead branches, since flower buds form on the previous year wood. Remove root suckers as they appear to maintain a single-trunk tree form rather than a thicket.