It typically grows 10 to 15 feet tall and wide.

Does it need full sun?

It prefers full sun to partial shade for the best flowering.

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 60%
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 to humans, though the berries should be consumed with caution.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The berries may pose a minor choking hazard to small children if ingested in large amounts.
Contact allergens: There are no significant skin irritants associated with this plant.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can cause mild seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: While the fruits are technically edible, they can cause stomach upset if eaten in large quantities or when underripe.

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 5m
Spread: 2 to 4m
Leaves: green, red, purple, deciduous
Flowers: white, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: blue, black, Late summer to autumn

Common problems

Viburnum leaf beetle — Small beetles that can cause significant defoliation if left unchecked.
Powdery mildew — A fungal issue that creates a white dusty coating on the leaves during humid weather.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed, division
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: It is fully hardy and requires no special protection during the winter months.
In containers: It is generally too large for long term container growth unless kept in a very large tub.

Softwood cuttings

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

Plant it with other native woodland shrubs to create a layered habitat for birds.

Grows well with

Serviceberry — They share similar soil and light requirements in woodland settings.
Wild Ginger — It makes a lovely ground cover beneath the shrub.

Keep away from

None notable — It is a very adaptable plant that does not have specific plant enemies.

Similar species

Nannyberry — It has a similar growth habit but slightly different leaf shape.

Science

Family: Viburnaceae
Genus: Viburnum
Order: Dipsacales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern and central North America.
Conservation: It is not currently of conservation concern and is widely distributed across its native range.

It thrives in woodland borders and thickets where it provides essential cover and food for local wildlife.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, fruit for birds
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, beetles
Uses: ornamental shrub, wildlife hedge, woodland garden

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How big does it get?: It typically grows 10 to 15 feet tall and wide.
Does it need full sun?: It prefers full sun to partial shade for the best flowering.

Where the name comes from

The name prunifolium refers to the leaves, which resemble those of a plum tree. Viburnum is the ancient Latin name for the wayfaring tree.

Good to know

It is often called blackhaw because the fruit turns a dark, bluish black when ripe.
The leaves turn a beautiful deep red or purple in the fall.
It can be grown as a large shrub or a small, multi stemmed tree.

Is your blackhaw viburnum looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

Get the app

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.