Summary
Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) is an attractive and hardy plant that is deserving of greater use in the planted landscape. This deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub (12-15′) or small tree (30′) provides garden interest throughout the growing season. In spring, it produces large quantities of creamy-white, flat-topped clusters of flowers followed by showy, bluish-black fruit in late summer. Flowers attract pollinators and fruits are eaten by songbirds. The foliage hosts many native caterpillar species. Leaves turn an attractive dark red in autumn, making it a suitable replacement for the invasive winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus).
Black haw thrives in full to part sun with dry to medium soils. It tolerates drought, clay soils, and black walnut. This plant makes an excellent specimen in naturalistic gardens, along the woodland edge, or in a shrub border. Black haw is a good companion for Winter King green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’), Atlantic ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), and flowering dogwood (Benthamidia florida). Zones 3-9.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub, tree - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-to-partial-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
dry-to-average - Flowering Period
mid-to-late-spring - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
purple, red - Other Common Names
Blackhaw, Smooth blackhaw, Blackhaw viburnum, Smooth blackhaw Viburnum, Stagbush - Fruit/Seed Color
black
Additional Information
Illinois Wildflowers, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Missouri Botanical Garden, Fine Gardening