rusty blackhaw

plant

Also known as: Viburnum rufidulum

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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The rusty blackhaw, also known as the southern black haw, is a coarse shrub or small tree (Viburnum rufidulum) primarily found in the southeastern United States. It belongs to the Viburnum genus, which includes about 175 species of shrubs and small trees native to temperate and subtropical regions of Eurasia and North America. Many Viburnum species are cultivated for their ornamental value, featuring attractive foliage, fragrant white flowers, and colorful blue-black fruits. The rusty blackhaw is similar to the black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) but is typically taller.12

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viburnum
…North American species are the southern black haw (V. rufidulum), similar but taller; the sheepberry, or nannyberry (V. lentago), with finely toothed, oval leaves; and the arrowwood (V. dentatum), with roundish to oval, coarsely toothed leaves. Laurustinus (V. tinus), a 3-metre-tall evergreen with oblong leaves, is native to the Mediterranean…
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…North American species are the southern black haw (V. rufidulum), similar but taller; the sheepberry, or nannyberry (V. lentago), with finely toothed, oval leaves; and the arrowwood (V. dentatum), with roundish to oval, coarsely toothed leaves. Laurustinus (V. tinus), a 3-metre-tall evergreen with oblong leaves, is native to the Mediterranean…
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Dipsacales
Adoxaceae
In contrast, rusty blackhaw (V. rufidulum) and softleaf arrowwood (V. molle) prefer dry rocky woods or hills. Viburnum is also an important horticultural genus; some of its cultivated species include guelder rose (V. opulus), arrowwood (V. dentatum), and Chinese snowball (V. macrocephalum).
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In contrast, rusty blackhaw (V. rufidulum) and softleaf arrowwood (V. molle) prefer dry rocky woods or hills. Viburnum is also an important horticultural genus; some of its cultivated species include guelder rose (V. opulus), arrowwood (V. dentatum), and Chinese snowball (V. macrocephalum).
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