When does Black Haw bloom?

Black Haw blooms from April through June, producing flat-topped clusters of small white flowers.

What pollinators visit Black Haw flowers?

Black Haw attracts various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles to its spring flower clusters.

Where is Black Haw native?

Black Haw is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Connecticut south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Texas.

What growing conditions does Black Haw prefer?

Black Haw tolerates full sun to partial shade and prefers medium moisture conditions, though it can adapt to somewhat drier soils once established.

Is Black Haw toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Black Haw as toxic to livestock.

Is Black Haw HOA-friendly?

Black Haw is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Black Haw

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Viburnum prunifolium

Last reviewed: June 2026

Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw) is a native deciduous shrub found across eastern and central United States, producing clusters of white flowers from April through June that attract bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) — Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Black Haw as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

120"–360" H × 120"–240" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains South Central Plains

Black haw is a native viburnum that forms a large, rounded shrub or small tree with white spring flower clusters followed by dark blue berries. The glossy green leaves turn attractive shades of red and purple in fall, making it a four-season landscape plant.

Growing Black Haw

Grow Black Haw in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 360 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Black Haw is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Large mature size requires adequate space
May need occasional pruning to maintain shape

Wildlife value

Host plant for Spring Azure, Cherry Sphinx Moth.

The spring blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beetles, while the fall berries provide food for birds. This plant supports over 100 species of butterflies and moths as a host plant.

Common questions

When does Black Haw bloom?: Black Haw blooms from April through June, producing flat-topped clusters of small white flowers.
What pollinators visit Black Haw flowers?: Black Haw attracts various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles to its spring flower clusters.
Where is Black Haw native?: Black Haw is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Connecticut south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Texas.
What growing conditions does Black Haw prefer?: Black Haw tolerates full sun to partial shade and prefers medium moisture conditions, though it can adapt to somewhat drier soils once established.
Is Black Haw toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Black Haw as toxic to livestock.
Is Black Haw HOA-friendly?: Black Haw is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Black Haw? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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