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Description
Viburnum Prunifolium, commonly known as Blackhaw, is a deciduous shrub native to the eastern parts of North America. It belongs to the Adoxaceae family and can grow up to 15-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide. The shrub blooms in the spring with clusters of white flowers that turn into small blue-black fruits in the fall. The fruit is edible and can be used to make jams and jellies. The leaves of the Viburnum Prunifolium turn reddish-purple in the fall, adding to its ornamental value.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Genus | Viburnum |
Appearance
The Viburnum Prunifolium has a rounded shape and grows as a multi-stemmed shrub. The bark is grayish-brown and has a scaly texture. The leaves are simple, opposite, and have an oval shape with a pointed tip. They are dark green in color, but turn reddish-purple in the fall. The shrub produces white flowers in the spring that are arranged in flat-topped clusters. The fruit is a small blue-black drupe that ripens in the fall.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Viburnum Prunifolium thrives, it is important to follow the proper care guide. Here are some tips:
Water: Water the shrub regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the shrub in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Do not over-fertilize as this can damage the plant.
Soil: The Viburnum Prunifolium prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they are not waterlogged.
Sunlight: The shrub can grow in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Hardiness Zones: The Viburnum Prunifolium is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Viburnum Prunifolium is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to the following:
Scale Insects: These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can be controlled with a fungicide. Avoid overhead watering to prevent the disease from spreading.
Habitat
The Viburnum Prunifolium is native to the eastern parts of North America, including the eastern United States and southern Ontario. It can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, thickets, and stream banks. The shrub is often used in landscaping as a hedge or specimen plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Viburnum Prunifolium deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the shrub is generally deer-resistant.
Q: How often should I prune my Viburnum Prunifolium?
A: Prune the shrub in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. You can also shape the shrub at this time.
Q: Can I grow the Viburnum Prunifolium in a container?
A: While the shrub can be grown in a container, it is not recommended as it can grow up to 15-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide.
Q: Does the Viburnum Prunifolium attract birds?
A: Yes, the shrub’s fruit is a food source for birds.
Related Plants
- Viburnum nudum
- Viburnum opulus
- Viburnum plicatum
- Viburnum trilobum
References
- “Viburnum Prunifolium.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d782
- “Viburnum Prunifolium.” NC State Extension. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/viburnum-prunifolium/
- “Viburnum Prunifolium.” The Morton Arboretum. https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/blackhaw-viburnum
