Black Haw

Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) is a small growing native understory tree that prefers deep, rich, somewhat moist soils. Found from Connecticut southward to Alabama, the haw resembles a tree in the southern part of its range, and has a more shrub-like appearance to the north. The plant has a flat topped white flower that grows in clusters and a simple leaf that looks a lot like the cherry leaf, hence the prunifolium species designation. The bark is reddish brown, and it gets very rough on older trees. The fruit of the haw ripens to a deep bluish-black, and it is devoured by birds when it develops in the fall.

The bark, berries, and fruit of the black haw were used by Native Americans for a number of uses, many of which are still in wide use today, mostly for gynecological conditions. The chemical, salicin, a main ingredient in aspirin, is extracted from the haw. Black haws are gaining some popularity as native landscape plants for their attractive flowers, beautiful fall colors, and bird-friendly berries.

Article by FCFCDB members

Nature Notes for 11/1/2015