Flat heads of white flowers in the spring. Birds eat the purple-black fruit in the fall. The edible fruit tastes like raisins. Grow as a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub. The leaves develop a beautiful red color in fall. Two plants are required for cross pollination and fruit set. Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Black Haw Viburnum
Viburnum prunifolium
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest:
Main Color: White
Fall Color: Red
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data


Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate, High

Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators, Nesting

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
12 to
15
feet
Spread:
8 to
12
feet
Size
Height: 12 to
15
feet
Spread: 8 to
12
feet
Size
Height: 12 to
15
feet
Spread: 8 to
12
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Small specimen tree or large specimen shrub. Use in groups in shrub border or as a tall hedge or screen. Background plant in borders and native gardens. Fruit attracts birds.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Adapts to many different soil types including dry sites. Two plants are required for cross pollination and fruit set. Prune immediately after flowering since flower buds form in summer for the following year. Requires pruning to attain tree form.
Special Features
Special Usage
Edible
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.