Viburnums are deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, although Ohio's native viburnums are not evergreens. Winter buds are naked, valvate, or imbricate. Leaves are opposite with toothed, entire, or lobed margins. Flowers are small in umbel or panicle-like clusters. Fruits are drupes.
| I. | Leaves are 11/4—31/4 inches (3—81/2 cm) long. Petioles have narrow, not wavy, margins. Branches are rather rigid. Winter buds are short, pointed, red, and pubescent. Flowers are white and open in April or May. Fruits are blue-black, bloomy, and mature in September or October. This is a shrub or small tree growing 15—20 feet in height. |
| Viburnum prunifolium–Blackhaw Viburnum |
Blackhaw Viburnum–Viburnum prunifolium
A small tree or shrub reaching 15—20 feet in height, the blackhaw viburnum has stiff, spreading branches that bear numerous, smooth, upright, slender twigs. It is an attractive ornamental shrub for landscaping and in bird sanctuaries. Blackhaw spreads readily by root suckers and is adapted to moist, fertile soils. This native plant is commonly available in the nursery industry.
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| Blackhaw Viburnum | |
Leaves are 11/4—31/4 inches (3—81/2 cm) long. Ovate leaves have finely toothed leaf margins. Petioles have narrow, not wavy, margins. Winter floral buds are valvate, short, and pointed. Twigs are pubescent and have a red-brown covering or hairy bloom.
Flowers are borne in terminal clusters after the foliage is partially expanded. The white floral cluster is 2 inches (5 cm) across and attractive. Flowers open in April or May. Fruits are bluish-black and bloomy, and they mature in September or October. The edible fruit is sweet and was used for jams and jellies.