Black Haw Viburnum - Viburnum prunifolium

Black Haw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) is native to central and eastern North America where it can be found growing naturally across many settings such as thickets, along streambanks and within moist woodlands. It is deciduous, with a suckering, multi-stemmed upright habit; however, it can be grown with a single trunk as a small tree.

In the spring, this shrub develops ovate leaves with finely serrated edges. Along the main vein of each leave, the sides bow up creating a boat-like shape. The scientific name prunifolium pays homage to the fact that the leaves resemble leaves of the Black Cherry (Prunus).

Plant Details - Black Haw Viburnum

Family: Adoxaceae

Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9

Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs: Low to moderate

Height: 12-15 ft, can reach up to 30 ft

Spread: 6-12 ft

Growth Rate: Moderate

Bloom Time: Mid to late spring

Flower Color: Creamy white

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and other pollinators, birds and mammals eat the berries

After the spring flush of foliage, the Black Haw Viburnum produces clusters of elegantly gentle, creamy white flowers which have a sweet and delightful fragrance that is attractive to a myriad of pollinators. The flowers give way to bright magenta-colored berries that mature to dark purple or black. The berries persist through the autumn and create a notable contrast to the rusty red, purple, orange, and yellow colors of the senescing leaves.

The berries are a favorite for local bird life and are edible for humans as well. To enjoy for yourself, pick the berries when they are mature and purplish black in color. They have a sweet, raisin-like taste when ripe. Use them to make jams and jellies or add them fresh to muffins or other baked goods.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Black Haw Viburnum

This multifunctional shrub is easy to grow and makes an attractive addition to a mix shrub border or hedge, or it can be grown as a specimen. It can easily be pruned into a tree form or left as a shorter multi-stemmed shrub. The size varies depending on how it is grown. When growing as a small tree, it can reach heights of 30 ft tall whereas when grown as a multi-stemmed shrub, it grows to a maximum of 15 ft.

It grows well in full sun to part shade conditions. It can also grow in deep shade but may not bloom reliably. It prefers well-drained, dry to medium moisture soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant. This plant normally has no serious pest or disease issues.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Easy to grow, edible fruit, attractive for wildlife.

Plant this versatile, easy to grow and reliable shrub in your garden and provide delicious berries for yourself and your local wildlife to enjoy. Shop for Black Haw Viburnum shrubs online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

White

Height at Maturity

Over 10 Feet

Care

Black Haw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) thrives in sun to shade and well-drained, loamy soil. Water regularly during dry spells, and apply mulch to retain moisture. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. It's drought-tolerant once established.

Plant Reproduction

Green Black Haw Viburnum spreads via suckers and dense growth.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Shrubs

Bare root shrubs are a budget-friendly and efficient way to plant during the cooler months when they’re dormant. Before planting, soak the roots in water for 3–6 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a site with the appropriate light exposure for the species—most flowering shrubs prefer full to partial sun. Dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots and deep enough so the crown (where the roots meet the stems) sits level with the soil surface.

Mound a bit of soil at the bottom of the hole, spread the roots over it, and backfill with native soil while gently firming it to remove air pockets. Water deeply after planting to settle the roots. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the first growing season to encourage healthy establishment.

Mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly to remove any broken branches and to shape after the first flush of growth. With minimal care, bare root shrubs will leaf out beautifully and grow into reliable, long-term landscape anchors.

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