Viburnum, Rustyblackhaw

Viburnum rufidulum, also known as the rusty blackhaw, blue haw, rusty nanny-berry, or southern black haw, is a flowering species of shrub or small tree that is common in parts of the Eastern and Central United States. It produces attractive flowers and fall foliage, as well as fruits that are popular with some species of birds. The Rusty Blackhaw prefers dry habitats with elevations generally below 2,500 feet. It grows in the Southern half of the Midwest and eastern United States.

Leathery deciduous LEAVES are simple and grow in opposite blades ranging from 0.5-3 inches in length and 1-1.5 inches in width. Petioles are “rusty hairy” with grooves and sometimes wings. Leaf margins are serrate. Autumn leaf colors are bronze to red. Petioles of V. prunifolium do not have the rusty hairs like those of V. rufidulum.

V. rufidulum blooms in April to May with creamy white FLOWERS that are bisexual, or perfect and similar to those of other Viburnum species, but with clusters as large as six inches wide.

The FRUIT is purple or dark blue, glaucous, globose or ellipsoid drupes that mature in mid to late summer. The fruit has been said to taste like raisins. It also is quite attractive to birds.

TWIGS range in color from “reddish brown to gray”; young twigs are hairy getting smoother with age.

BARK is similar that of the Flowering Dogwood, ranging in color from “reddish brown to almost black” and forming “blocky plates on larger trunks.

WILDLIFE: V. prunifolium drupes hang until winter unless picked or eaten in place, becomes edible after first frost, then eaten by birds.