Scientific Description: Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum – Viburnum rufidulum – is a species of deciduous, woody, large shrub/small tree that is a member of the Elderberry or Moschatel (Adoxaceae, formerly Caprifoliaceae) family. It is native to the eastern and central United States. The leaves, usually about four inches long, are arranged opposite each other and are simple in shape. The flowers of this shrub are traditionally showy and white, appearing in large flat-topped heads that appear in April through May. Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum does best in Hardiness Zones 5 through 9; it grows to a height of 10 to 20 feet with a similar spread.

Rusty Blackhaw tolerates full sun or shade but probably does best in part shade. It does well in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils and is quite low in its maintenance needs. It does well along stream beds or rocky or dry woods and valleys.

Habitat Value: Birds, squirrels, and many other animals are attracted to the fruit of this plant, especially in the late summer and autumn when the fruit are fully ripe. The fruits may also be consumed by humans.

There are no known serious diseases or insect problems of Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum. It is often grown as hedge, border shrub, or as a specimen plant in a large yard.

This species tends to put out many runners in the late summer. These should be clipped off in the winter or early spring.

Landscape Value: By Matt Whitaker of WMWA Landscape Architects

Anyone who has known me for more than 15 minutes knows I am a Viburnuphile. While I have a very hard time nailing down my favorite plant, there is little doubt about my favorite Genus: Viburnum. More than once, my site designs have included no less than five different species of native Viburnums. I was going to write that my recent plan for the Hunter Museum was the first in a while with none, then I remembered I donated and planted a Rusty Blackhaw myself as the only Viburnum in the garden. You can go to the Hunter, my front yard in St Elmo, Reflection Riding along the road just east of the horse pasture, or on almost any trail along the slopes of Lookout Mountain to see Viburnum rufidulum.

You have probably seen it many times and mistaken it for a flowering dogwood, as its bark has a very similar geometric pattern. The buds (see photo) are covered with a deep rusty brown pubescence, which is unlike any other Viburnum. The fall color is a rich burgundy, and the leaves can hold with their color until December here. In summer, its leaves are a glossy dark green that hardly looks like any other native, and it has cream-white flowers in late April. This full range of colors and textures give this small tree true year-round interest in a size (10-20-feet) that is often desired. Rusty Blackhaw has excellent drought tolerance, as well. What are you waiting for? Start planning now for fall planting of this one in your garden.

Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum

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