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Viburnum prunifolium

Blackhaw Viburnum

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Viburnum prunifolium

Blackhaw is a large, upright, multi-stemmed, densely twiggy deciduous shrub that can be pruned to grow as a small tree. Creamy white flowers in flat-topped clusters to 4.5" across appear in spring. Flowers provide nectar for butterflies, native bees and other pollinators. Flowers give way to blue-black, berry-like fruits, which are a good source of food for birds and wildlife in fall and early winter. This handsome plant has glossy dark green leaves changing to shades of red and purple in fall.

Benefits:

  • Flowers provide nectar for butterflies and other pollinators

  • Plants provide excellent nesting sites and cover for birds

  • Red-purple foliage contrasts with blue-black fruit in the fall

  • Berries are a great source of food for birds and other wildlife in fall

  • Grows well in dry soil
  • Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

    Easy to grow in full sun or part shade.

    Plant in well-drained, dry to average soil. Tolerates drought.

    Prune immediately after flowering since flower buds form in summer for the following year.

    Can be grown as a large, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree.


    Height
    10-12 Feet

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    Spread
    6-8 Feet


    Native Range
    Woods, thickets, and fencerows; Connecticut to Wisconsin and Iowa south to Kansas, Texas and Georgia.

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    Native Trivia
    Blackhaw has been in cultivation as an ornamental plant since 1727. The common name is said to refer to the similarity of this plant to hawthorns (sometimes commonly called red haws), though hawthorns are in a different family. Fruits are edible and may be eaten off the bush when ripe or used in jams and preserves.


    USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9

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    "Blackhaw provides ample cover and food for birds and their friends."

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Plan Sub Group
    Medium to Tall Shrubs
    Exposure
    Sun
    Filtered Shade
    Soil Moisture Preference
    Dry
    Average
    Attracts Wildlife
    Mammals
    Butterflies
    Songbirds
    Bloom Time
    Late Spring / Early Summer
    Habitat Collection
    Dry Shade
    Butterfly
    Songbird
    Foliage Color
    Dark Green
    Uses
    Drought tolerant
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