Viburnum prunifolium aka Blackhaw

Viburnum prunifolium, or blackhaw, belongs to the Viburnaceae family. It grows wild in the central and eastern United States. Its range extends from Connecticut south to Florida and west to Texas. It grows in damp woods, thickets, and beside streams. This woody plant loses its leaves each fall. Gardeners grow it as a large shrub or small tree.

Most shrubs reach 12–15 feet [3.7–4.6 metres] tall. They spread about 6–12 feet [1.8–3.7 metres] wide. Some sources report widths of 15 feet [4.6 metres] or more. Older trees may reach 30 feet [9.1 metres] tall. Growth is slow, with stiff branches and several upright stems. The crown can be round or uneven, and roots send up suckers. Young bark is smooth and brown-gray. Older bark darkens and breaks into rough, flat plates. Thin, smooth gray twigs bear opposite pairs of simple leaves. The green leaves have fine teeth and often a glossy surface. Fall color varies from red to purple.

Small white flowers form broad, flat cymes in spring. Chicago records bloom from May through June. Yellow stamens give the blooms a cream tint. Sources disagree on whether the flowers have a scent. Oval drupes change from pink to blue-black as they ripen. They mature in fall and may last into winter. Each fruit has thin flesh around one large stone. People eat the sweet fruit fresh or make preserves. Birds, squirrels, and chipmunks also feed on the fruit.

Blackhaw grows best in sun or part shade. Deep shade limits bloom, though the shrub can survive there. It suits many soil types and a wide pH range. Good drainage matters; it accepts dry to moist soil. It tolerates drought, heat, clay, and city conditions. Sources place it in USDA zones 3–9 and UK rating H7. Prune just after bloom, before next year's buds develop. Planting more than one shrub can improve fruit set.

Use blackhaw in borders, screens, hedges, or native plantings. Its branches shelter wildlife, and azure butterfly larvae use it as food. Most sources report few serious pest or disease problems. RHS lists possible aphids, viburnum beetle, leaf spot, and fungal diseases. Native Americans used blackhaw for medicine. PFAF warns that medicinal overdoses can cause nausea, dizziness, and seizures. It also warns against medicinal use during pregnancy.