Viburnum rufidulum

Common Name(s):

Description

Southern Black Haw, Rusty Black Haw or Rusty Nannyberry is a native shrub that can be used as a large shrub or small tree. It spreads by suckers and naturalizes well. If naturalization is not desired, trim the suckers as they appear. Preference is for full sun to part shade in dry to medium sandy or clay loams.

Three season interest is provided with showy spring flowers, glossy green leaves in summer and fall fruit and leaf colors. More than one shrub is needed for good berry production. It is moderately resistant to damage from deer.

Viburnum rufidulum's leaves in the summer in Moore County — Leaves in the summer in Moore County Susan Strine CC BY 2.0

Viburnum rufidulum's flowers — flowers Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz CC BY-SA 4.0

Viburnum rufidulum form — form Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz CC BY-SA 4.0

Viburnum rufidulum's fruit — fruit Royce Milam CC BY 2.0

Viburnum rufidulum's flowers and leaves — flowers and leaves Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz CC BY-SA 4.0

Viburnum rufidulum close up — close up Jay Sturner CC BY 2.0

Viburnum rufidulum's flowers close up — flowers close up Jay Sturner CC BY 2.0

Attributes:
Genus:

Viburnum

Species:

rufidulum

Family:

Viburnaceae

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Woody

Recommended Propagation Strategy:

Seed

Country Or Region Of Origin:

Southern U.S.A., Mexico

Distribution:

AL , AR , FL , GA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MO , MS , NC , OH , OK , SC , TN , TX , VA

Fire Risk Rating:

low flammability

Wildlife Value:

It is a host plant for the spring/summer Azure butterflies. Its fruits are eaten by songbirds, squirrels and chipmunks.

Play Value:

Wildlife Food Source

Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):

fire in the landscape.

Whole Plant Traits:
Plant Type:

Native Plant

Shrub

Tree

Leaf Characteristics:

Broadleaf Evergreen

Deciduous

Habit/Form:

Erect

Oval

Growth Rate:

Slow

Maintenance:

Low

Cultural Conditions:
Light:

Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)

Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

Soil Texture:

Clay

Loam (Silt)

Sand

Soil pH:

Acid (<6.0)

Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Soil Drainage:

Good Drainage

Available Space To Plant:

12-24 feet

NC Region:

Coastal

Piedmont

Usda Plant Hardiness Zone:

5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Fruit:
Fruit Color:

Blue

Fruit Type:

Drupe

Fruit Length:

< 1 inch

Fruit Width:

< 1 inch

Fruit Description:

3/8 inch long edible dark blue fruits appear after flowering and ripen in the fall.

Flowers:
Flower Color:

Cream/Tan

White

Flower Inflorescence:

Cyme

Flower Value To Gardener:

Showy

Flower Bloom Time:

Spring

Flower Shape:

Star

Flower Petals:

4-5 petals/rays

Flower Size:

< 1 inch

Flower Description:

Flowers appear in spring in 5 inch wide rounded cymes of tiny flowers. Individual flowers are 1/4 inch across with long stamens.

Leaves:
Leaf Characteristics:

Broadleaf Evergreen

Deciduous

Leaf Color:

Gold/Yellow

Green

Leaf Feel:

Glossy

Leathery

Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:

Orange

Pink

Purple/Lavender

Red/Burgundy

Leaf Type:

Simple

Leaf Arrangement:

Opposite

Leaf Shape:

Elliptical

Obovate

Ovate

Leaf Margin:

Serrate

Hairs Present:

No

Leaf Length:

3-6 inches

Leaf Width:

1-3 inches

Leaf Description:

The 4" long glossy, leathery leaves are dark green. Its leaf undersides are covered with rusty brown hairs. Excellent fall hues of red, lavender, pink, and orange.

Bark:
Bark Color:

Dark Brown

Dark Gray

Bark Plate Shape:

Square

Bark Description:

The bark is gray/brown with a fine blocky pattern.

Stem:
Stem Color:

Brown/Copper

Gray/Silver

Red/Burgundy

Stem Is Aromatic:

No

Stem Buds:

Hairy

Stem Surface:

Hairy (pubescent)

Stem Description:

Twigs reddish brown with a thin light gray coating. Stems have rusty brown hairs

Landscape:
Landscape Location:

Naturalized Area

Landscape Theme:

Native Garden

Pollinator Garden

Design Feature:

Border

Hedge

Screen/Privacy

Attracts:

Butterflies

Songbirds

Resistance To Challenges:

Deer

Drought

Fire