Viburnum prunifolium (Blackhaw)

Very ornamental, Viburnum prunifolium (Blackhaw) is a large, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree noted for its eye-catching flower clusters, colorful berries, and attractive fall color. In spring, masses of flat-topped creamy-white flower clusters, 4.5 in. wide (11 cm), are elegantly held above the foliage. Rich in nectar, they are loved by butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The blooms give way to pink-rose berries, borne in dense clusters, that ripen to blue-black in the fall. Showy when viewed up close or from a short distance, they often persist into winter and are quite attractive to birds and wildlife. Tasty, the fruits can be eaten fresh from the shrub or used to make jams and preserves. Resembling plum leaves, the handsome foliage of ovate, glossy dark green leaves turns rich bronze to vibrant red in fall. A very rewarding shrub that is not only good-looking but also durable and pest free.

• Slowly grows up with an upright rounded, spreading, or irregular habit to 12-15 ft. tall (360-450 cm) and 6-12 ft. wide (180-360 cm). It may be grown as a small tree up to 30 ft. high (9 m).
• Winner of the GreatPlants award, which is a joint effort between the Nebraska Nursery, Landscape Association, and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Adaptable to poor soils, compacted soils, moist soils, dry soils, moderate heat, and pollution. For best flower and fruit production, provide at least one-half day of sunlight. Drought and clay soil tolerant.
• Perfect as a specimen plant or in shrub borders, striking hedges and screens, and foundation plantings.
• Attractive to birds and butterflies.
• Low maintenance, this plant has no serious insect or disease problems.
• Prune as required immediately after flowering.
• Native to eastern and central North America.