Rusty Blackhaw

Rusty Blackhaw, Viburnum rufidulum

Rusty Blackhaw is a native shrub, or small tree depending on its environment, that grows along the southeastern portions of the United States. It often grows as an understory tree reaching simple heights of 3 m (10 ft) or a larger 9 m (30 ft) tree if provided with more sunlight and room to grow. In autumn, the leaves are often a shade of pink or dark purple. In spring, clusters of white flowers bloom. It is relatively tolerant of drought and shade, and it is usually pest-free.

Bark of Rusty Blackhaw.

The freshly opening vegetative buds are found with rusty hairs covering it giving it its common name rusty blackhaw, although it may also be called Southern blackhaw, bluehaw, nannyberry, or rusty nannyberry. The elliptic, blue berries produced in autumn are edible and are also commonly consumed by wildlife, particular various bird species. Butterflies and bees also benefit from the blooms in spring. The bark was made into a tea and consumed by some native tribes for menstrual symptoms as well as for rheumatism.