Viburnum prunifolium L.

Smooth Blackhaw; Plumleaf Viburnum

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Smooth Blackhaw is a native deciduous shrub or small tree in the Moschatel family (Adoxaceae). It is found primarily in the Black Belt and Tennessee River regions and other areas with basic soils. Smooth Blackhaw grows in deciduous forests, in prairies, along creeks and streams, and along fence rows. It is a single or multi-trunked shrub or small tree reaching heights of 20 feet. The bark is gray in color and breaks into small squares. Stems are stiff and arching with short side shoots that are at right angles to the main stem. Leaves are opposite, petiolate, elliptic to ovate in outline, with finely serrate margins. Leaves are relatively thin and dark green above and paler green below. The leaves are glabrous or scantly brown scurfy. The petiole and leaf margins are often reddish. Flowers are produced in rounded terminal panicles. Each flower has 5 cream colored lobes. The fruit is a black drupe. The drupes remain on the shrub late into winter and are a favorite of birds and small mammals. The fruits are also edible by humans and can be eaten fresh or made into jams and preserves. Dried fruit have a taste and texture similar to raisins. Smooth Blackhaw is available in the nursery trade. It makes a dense screen or hedge and can be grown as a specimen shrub. Plants prefer well-draining soils and are drought tolerant once established. Several cultivars are available including 'Summer Magic' and 'Early Red' which have bronze or reddish new leaves and 'Ovazam' which is a columnar form.--A. Diamond

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Native

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