Discover the charm of Viburnum rufidulum, commonly known as Rusty Blackhaw or Southern Blackhaw, a versatile native plant perfect for enhancing your landscape. This deciduous multi-stemmed shrub or small tree is a member of the Viburnaceae family, originating from the eastern and central United States, thriving in rocky or dry woodlands and forests. Its unique name stems from the distinctive rusty brown hairs found on the undersides of its leaves, buds, and stems.
Rusty Blackhaw gracefully adapts to dry to moist loams and flourishes in full sun to partial shade, slowly reaching a height and width of 10 to 20 feet. Delight in the clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in early spring, transforming into blue drupes for vibrant autumn interest. Its stunning fall foliage enhances any landscape, and its resistance to deer browsing and drought ensures low maintenance needs. Ideal for hedges, shrub borders, and wildlife gardens, it provides nectar and fruit for pollinators and birds. With a low flammability rating, Rusty Blackhaw is also a wise choice for landscaping defensible spaces.