Viburnum prunifolium (Blackhaw Viburnum)

A genuine three-season, high-value wildlife shrub confirmed both deer resistant and highly drought tolerant, blackhaw serves as a documented larval host plant while its edible fall berries feed both birds and people - a slow-growing but exceptionally durable understory specimen.

Species Overview

Viburnum prunifolium, or blackhaw, is a large, suckering deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America, maturing slowly to 8 to 15 feet tall and nearly as wide. Large, fragrant white flower clusters bloom in spring on a distinctively crooked trunk with spreading branches, followed by purplish-black berries and red-to-purple fall foliage.

Application

• Understory, hedgerow, and specimen plantings - 3 seasons of interest
• Deer-pressured sites - confirmed deer resistant
• Larval host and pollinator nectar/pollen habitat
• Dry to average soil restoration - confirmed highly drought tolerant

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Medium to dry, well-drained soils; adaptable to clay
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A more upland, dry-mesic woodland viburnum relative to some of its wetter-tolerant relatives in the genus.
• Growth Rate: Slow
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Mature Height: 8-15 ft.
• Fall Color: Red-Purple
• Bloom Color / Period: White; April-June
• Wetland Indicator Status: FACU (Facultative Upland)
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Upright, Multi-stemmed
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• Historically used by Indigenous peoples in a wash to treat mouth sores, muscle spasms, and diaphoresis (cold sweats). Berries are edible for both humans and birds; plant two or three shrubs for reliable cross-pollination and fruit set, since Viburnum flowers are self-infertile.