Viburnum rufidulum aka Blue Haw

Viburnum rufidulum is known as rusty blackhaw or southern blackhaw. This leaf-shedding shrub can also form a small tree. It belongs to the Viburnaceae family. Its native range spans the central and eastern United States. It extends south into Coahuila, Mexico. Wild plants grow in woods, thickets, valleys, and stream margins. They also grow on dry, rocky sites and woodland edges.

Garden plants reach 10–20 feet [3–6.1 metres] tall and wide. Oregon State reports heights near 30 feet [9.1 metres]. Growth is slow, with upright stems and arching branches. The trunk may split close to the ground. Root suckers can spread the plant into a colony. Gray-brown bark has small, block-like markings. Slender twigs range from gray to reddish brown. Rust-colored hairs cover young stems, buds, and leaf undersides. The glossy, dark green leaves grow in opposite pairs. Each leaf has a firm texture and fine teeth. Fall leaves turn red, purple, burgundy, or orange.

Small white flowers form rounded clusters called cymes in spring. North Carolina sources give March to April for bloom. Chicago records a later season, from May to June. Flowers supply nectar to pollinators, and the plant attracts butterflies. Azure butterfly larvae also use it as a host. Oval, dark blue drupes ripen in September and October. A pale waxy coating covers the fruit. Some fruit stays on the plant into winter. Songbirds, squirrels, and chipmunks eat it. Plant more than one shrub to improve fruit yield.

Grow it in sun or partial shade with good drainage. It accepts clay, loam, and sand, with acid to neutral pH. Dry to moist soil suits it. Established plants withstand drought and need little upkeep. Full sun helps produce a denser plant. Light afternoon shade may help in the St. Louis area. Sources place it in USDA zones 5–9. Use it for hedges, screens, borders, or native plantings. It also works as a lone specimen or small tree. Remove root suckers when you do not want spreading colonies.

Sources report few major pest or disease issues. North Carolina also lists purple mite as a possible problem. Deer resistance is moderate, and the plant has low flammability. People can eat the sweet fruit raw or cooked. Each fruit contains a large seed and little flesh. Plants For A Future reports better flavor after frost. That source lists no known hazards, rather than proven safety.