Yes, it is a very low maintenance shrub once established.

Does it need full sun?

It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

Plant guide

Blackhaw Viburnum.

Viburnum prunifolium

Pronounced vy-BUR-num proo-nih-FOH-lee-um

Also known as Black Haw, Black-haw viburnum, Blackhaw, Blackhaw Viburnum, VIBPRU

The Blackhaw Viburnum is a lovely native shrub that brings seasonal interest to any garden. It produces clusters of white flowers in spring followed by dark blue berries that birds really enjoy. You'll find its foliage turns a beautiful reddish purple in the fall.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 4 to 5 meters
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 9
Bloom time: Mid to late spring

Care

Plant this shrub in well-draining soil and ensure it gets enough sunlight to keep it happy. Watch for signs of stress like drooping leaves which might indicate it needs a bit more water during dry spells. Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids during the spring growth flush.

Watering: Water consistently until the plant is established, then it becomes quite drought tolerant.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring before new growth starts.
Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering to shape the shrub and remove any dead or crossing branches.
Repotting: If grown in a container, move to a larger pot every few years to refresh the soil.
Soil: Well-draining, loamy, or clay soils
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Temperature: -30 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 30 to 50 years.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic, though eating large amounts of raw fruit is not recommended.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The berries are not poisonous, but they may pose a minor choking hazard to very small children.
Contact allergens: No specific skin irritants are known.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may cause mild reactions in sensitive individuals during the spring.
Edibility: The berries are technically edible but can cause stomach upset if consumed in large quantities.

How to identify it

Oval leaves with finely serrated edges
Clusters of small white spring flowers
Dark blue to black edible berries
Stiff branches with dark gray bark

Height: 3 to 4.5m
Spread: 2.5 to 4m
Leaves: dark green, reddish purple, deciduous
Flowers: white, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: blue, black, Late summer to early autumn

Problems to watch for

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings, division
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: No special care is needed as it is fully hardy. A layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture.
In containers: It can grow in large containers, but it is much happier when planted directly in the ground.

Softwood cuttings

Take cuttings in early summer.
Dip the ends in rooting hormone.
Place in a moist, well-draining potting mix.

Plant in groups to encourage better fruit production through cross pollination.

Grows well with

Serviceberry — They share similar soil and light requirements.
Wild Ginger — It makes a lovely groundcover beneath the shrub.

Similar species

Nannyberry — It has a similar growth habit and fruit.

Science

Family: Viburnaceae
Genus: Viburnum
Order: Dipsacales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern and central North America.
Conservation: This species is secure and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in woodland edges and thickets where it can spread through suckering.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, bird food source, nesting habitat
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental shrub, hedging, wildlife garden, small tree

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Soil reaction: 6/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Salinity: 2/9
Light: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it easy to grow?: Yes, it is a very low maintenance shrub once established.
Does it need full sun?: It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

Where the name comes from

The name prunifolium refers to the leaves, which resemble those of a plum tree.

Good to know

The leaves turn a beautiful reddish purple in the autumn.
It is commonly known as blackhaw because of its dark fruit.
It is a very tough plant that tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.
The fruit is a favorite snack for many songbirds.

Keep your blackhaw viburnum growing

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.