Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Viburnum prunifolium L.
Blackhaw, Smooth blackhaw, Blackhaw viburnum, Smooth blackhaw viburnum, Stagbush
Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
Smooth blackhaw is a sturdy, shapely
shrub or small
tree, 12-15 ft. tall, sometimes growing to 30 ft. Rounded in outline, this
deciduous shrub bears white flower clusters followed by yellow berries turning blue-black. Attractive, dark-green foliage becomes reddish-purple in fall.
Shrub or small
tree with short trunk, spreading, rounded or irregular crown, many showy, small, white flowers, and small, blue-black fruit.
The
fruit is consumed by songbirds, gamebirds, and mammals and can be made into preserves. The astringent
bark was formerly used medicinally. The Latin species name refers to the leaves resemblance to plum leaves.
Image Gallery:
4 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Fruit: Pink to bluish-black
Size Class: 12-36 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , MD , MI , MS , MO , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV , WI , DC
Native Distribution: CT to MI & KS, s. to GA & TX
Native Habitat: Low to upland wood edges; thickets; roadsides
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Moist to dry, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: For best flowers and
fruit, give black haw at least one-half day of sunlight. The plant is durable and pest free.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Berries attract birds and mammals.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
Last Update: 2012-10-20
