Southern Black Haw, Rusty blackhaw

Viburnum rufidulum

Physical Characteristics

Viburnum rufidulum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 12 m (39ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southern N. America - Virginia to Florida, west to Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[183]. The fleshy fruit has a sweet taste, somewhat like raisins[274], but it is nearly all seed[43, 159]. The taste is best after a frost. The ellipsoid fruit is up to 15mm long and contains a single large seed[229].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic The bark is antispasmodic and has been used in the treatment of cramps and colic[254].

Known Hazards

None known