Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Botanical Name
Viburnum prunifolium
Plant Common Name
Blackhaw
General Description
Grown for its attractive flowers, handsome trouble-free foliage and showy fall color, this deciduous multi-stemmed shrub or small tree is native to the central and eastern United States. Some landscape selections have been made, but blackhaw tends to be more highly favored for planting in natural areas or more naturalistic wildlife gardens. Wild specimens inhabit drier, upland sites that are moderately open.
Dark green, oval, toothed leaves that resemble cherry foliage are borne on stubby, somewhat spine-like branchlets that are paired along spreading branches. The leaves turn wine-red or dazzling scarlet in fall. Flat-topped clusters of small white blossoms appear at the branch tips in mid-spring. Small, oval, edible berries follow the flowers, ripening from green to wine to blue-black and attracting hungry birds. This relatively slow-growing large shrub or small tree has dark gray bark that becomes deeply fissured and scaly on older stems.
Blackhaw succeeds in full to partial sun and most soils with good drainage. It is particularly lovely when grown as a small tree underplanted with perennials and low-growing shrubs. The selection 'Early Red' has red-tinged new leaves and deep red fall color, while 'Ovazam' (Ovation™) is exceptionally hardy and has a narrow, upright habit.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
10'-20' / 3.0m - 6.1m
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Width
10'-20' / 3.0m - 6.1m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, Texas
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
