Rusty Blackhaw is one of our Southern woodland viburnums whose range is central and southeastern U.S. In NC it occurs mostly in piedmont and coastal plain counties. It is a deciduous, dense, showy, highly arching understory shrub or small tree. Mature height is about 18′, but can be taller if grown as a single-stemmed tree form. The oppositely-arranged leaves are very glossy and rounded with a finely serrated margin. The leaf undersides, petioles, young stems and buds are usually covered in rust-colored hairs, the source of the common name and the easiest way to distinguish it from Smooth Black Haw (V. prunifolium). In the spring the shrub is covered in 4-5-inch white-topped flower clusters at the end of the stems. Eventually the flowers turn into blue-black berries which are also quite attractive and are consumed by birds and small mammals. Meanwhile, the glossy fall floliage has turned various colors from bright yellow to bronze to scarlet. Out-crossing improves fruit set, so grow it and a companion in full sun to part shade with average to dry, well drained soil.
NURSERY HOURS
Thursday: 10-6, Friday – Saturday: 10-4, Sunday: 12-4
Viburnum rufidulum
Key Info
Scientific Name: Viburnum rufidulum Raf.
Common Names: Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum, Southern Blackhaw, Downy Viburnum, Blackhaw, Bluehaw, Southern Nannyberry, Rusty Nannyberry, Nannyberry
Family Names: Adoxaceae (Viburnum Family)
Plant Type: Tree / Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Flower Color: White
Special Characteristics: Soil adaptable, Tolerates shade, Tolerates drought, Attracts bees, Good for hedges, Attracts butterflies, Wildlife habitat, Good fall color, Excellent wildlife food, Attracts birds, Slow growing
Additional Info
Habit: Multi-stemmed, with a vase-shaped, irregular crown, medium foliage texture, suckering habit, with reddish brown to almost black bark separating into dark, blocky plates..
Height: 18' - 25'
Spread: 18' - 25'
Soil Conditions: Average well drained to dry soils; acidic to alkaline pH, sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay.
Leaves: Leaves are opposite, 3½ inches long, elliptical, glossy dark green, tip rounded or with a broad point, base rounded, with pinnate venation and finely serrated margins, firm textured with a shiny upper surface. The petioles are covered with rust colored, branched hairs. The glossy Rusty Blackhaw leaves take on a surprising autumn mix of oranges, reds, purples, even pink.
Flowers (or reproductive structures: The tiny flowers are perfect, white, 5-parted, from 1/4 to 3/8 inch wide, in flattened or slightly domed clusters (cymes) up to 5 inches wide, appearing in April and May. They are not self fertile.
Fruit: The fruits are fleshy, bluish black drupes, lightened by a waxy coating, up to ½ inch long, slightly longer than wide. They ripen in late summer through fall. Edible, the fleshy fruits have a sweet taste, but they are nearly all seed.
Natural Distribution: Occurs in the understory of upland woodland habitats, thickets, open woods, streams, riverbanks or dry rocky wooded slopes.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: UPL
Pollination: Bees, butterflies, other insects.
Wildlife Connections: Host plant for the Spring/Summer Azure butterflies. Fruits are eaten by songbirds, squirrels, and chipmunks.
Propagation: By seeds and by cuttings in spring.
Southeastern Native Plant Nursery and Landscaping
Our Hours
Thursday: 10-6
Friday and Saturday: 10-4
Sunday: 12-4
Sunday: 12-4
And by appointment
Rachel’s Native Plants is located at The Plant
© COPYRIGHT 2023 RACHEL’S NATIVE PLANTS