Black Haw
Viburnum prunifolium
Last reviewed: August 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.
Toxicity unknown
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz