Viburnum prunifolium – Blackhaw Viburnum is a native, multi-season shrub or small tree valued for its ornamental beauty and wildlife benefits. This adaptable, low-maintenance plant adds year-round interest and ecological support to native gardens, hedgerows, and naturalized landscapes.

Showy clusters of creamy white flowers appear in mid to late spring, attracting native pollinators. These are followed by blue-black berries in late summer to fall, providing an important food source for birds and wildlife. In autumn, the glossy green foliage turns brilliant shades of red and purple, creating stunning seasonal color. Blackhaw Viburnum thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a variety of soils, including clay and dry conditions. Drought-tolerant once established, it’s an excellent choice for sustainable landscapes and habitat restoration projects.

Why Choose Viburnum prunifolium – Blackhaw Viburnum?

• Multi-season interest with spring flowers, summer fruits, and vibrant fall foliage
• Supports native pollinators and provides berries for birds and wildlife
• Tolerates drought and a variety of soil conditions, including clay
• Low-maintenance and adaptable for hedgerows, wildlife gardens, and naturalized areas

Cultivating Tips:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade for the best flowering and fruit production
• Prefers well-drained soils but adapts to clay and drier conditions once established
• Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape if desired

Design Ideas for Your Garden:

• Use Blackhaw Viburnum as a specimen tree or focal point in native gardens
• Ideal for creating hedgerows or naturalized borders in pollinator and wildlife-friendly landscapes
• Combine with other native shrubs like Itea virginica and Clethra alnifolia for a layered planting that offers multi-season interest

Ecological Benefits:

• Provides nectar for native bees and butterflies in spring
• Produces fruits in late summer and fall that feed birds and small mammals
• Deep root system stabilizes soil, making it ideal for erosion control in restoration projects