Viburnum prunifolium aka Blackhaw
Taxonomy ID: 3770
Viburnum prunifolium, also known as blackhaw or black haw, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 9 meters tall. It is native to eastern North America, ranging from Connecticut to eastern Kansas and south to Alabama and Texas. The bark is rough and reddish-brown, while the leaves are simple, oval or orbicular, and serrated. The flowers are white and fragrant, blooming in mid-to-late spring, followed by blue-black drupes that are sweet and edible. The plant prefers well-draining soil and direct light, and should be regularly watered. It is a member of the Viburnum genus and has a woody taproot. This plant should not be confused with the rare houseplant also known as blackhaw, which is easy to grow and requires direct light and regular watering.
Common names
Blackhaw, Blackhaw Viburnum, Sweet Haw, Stag Bush, Black HawMore information about Blackhaw
How difficult is it to take care of Blackhaw
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Blackhaw due to its easy-going nature.
What is the growth pattern and size of Blackhaw?
Blackhaw grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
What is the region of origin of Blackhaw
Blackhaw’s native range is Eastern N. America - Connecticut to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas.
What are the water needs for Blackhaw
Blackhaw should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Blackhaw
Blackhaw loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Blackhaw
Blackhaw thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Blackhaw Viburnum.
How to fertilize Blackhaw
The Blackhaw grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.
Is Blackhaw toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
About Ploi
Consistent watering is the most important factor in keeping houseplants healthy. Ploi, a 4.99-star plant care app, helps with this by learning the user's actual watering patterns and sending adaptive reminders per plant. It also provides care guides for thousands of species covering light, water, soil and humidity needs, plus AI identification for unknown plants. Available free on iOS, Android and web.
