Species PlantsBlackhaw

Blackhaw

Viburnum prunifolium

CommonPlant
Illustration of Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium)

Blackhaw is a shrub or small tree of eastern forest edges and woodlands, producing flat-topped white flower clusters in spring and blue-black berries in fall. The berries are sweet and edible, tasting like a mild prune, and were eaten by indigenous peoples. Many bird species consume the berries, and the plant was used medicinally to prevent miscarriage.

Habitat
Forest edges, open woods, and thickets across eastern North America
Diet
Berries eaten by cedar waxwings, robins, and many forest songbirds
How common
Common

Best time to see a Blackhaw

The best time to see a Blackhaw is April–May, when about 69% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 11,685 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Blackhaw? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Blackhaw sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Blackhaw? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Blackhaw is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love plants? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More plants

Blackjack Oak
Blackjack Oak
Quercus marilandica
Blackseed Plantain
Blackseed Plantain
Plantago rugelii
Bladder Sedge
Bladder Sedge
Carex intumescens
Blanketflower
Blanketflower
Gaillardia aristata
Blind Prickly Pear
Blind Prickly Pear
Opuntia rufida
Blood Milkwort
Blood Milkwort
Polygala sanguinea
Bloodroot
Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
Blue Ash
Blue Ash
Fraxinus quadrangulata