Viburnum rufidulum, or commonly known as “Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum”, has an unusual name but is a native North Texas tree worthy of your attention.
Viburnum rufidulum – A Tree for All Seasons
Let us start by dissecting its interesting common name to understand the origin and gain a quick overview of the plant:
- Rusty is from the deep brown hairs on the undersides of its leaves, buds, and stems.
- Black is a reference to its fruit, a bluish-black color.
- Haw is a colloquial term for “fruit of the hawthorn” due to the early terming of many varieties of hedgerow plants as Hawthorns. Interestingly, “Hawthorn” was derived from the Anglo-Saxon term “haguthorn” or “fence with thorns”.
- Viburnum is the plant’s genus, which is part of the Caprifoliaceae family – though there is some disagreement among botanists, with others classifying it as Adoxaceae.
Native Understory Tree
Rufidulum is a long-lived deciduous small single-stemmed tree, or it can take the form of a multi-stemmed shrub. It occurs in the U.S. from the eastern half of Texas to Kansas across to southern Virginia and down to the Atlantic and Gulf coast states.
Typically, Rusty Blackhaw is found in a variety of environments, including rocky or dry woodlands and forests, in addition to along streams and in valleys. It does best in part shade and can grow in almost any soil type, as long as it is well-drained. Along with many North Texas natives, it requires very little water once established.
One of its noteworthy features is glossy dark green leaves. However, in sunnier locales, the leaves tend to be leatherier. Small clusters of tiny white flowers in the early spring are followed by a fruit that matures in the fall.
Rusty Blackhaw usually reaches a height and width of 10 to 20 feet. It is best suited as an understory tree, and in reference to the origin of its name, in hedge form, or singularly in naturalized areas.
A Four-Season Tree
A Rusty Blackhaw tree provides beauty in all seasons. It combines attractive leaves, abundant white flowers, colorful fall foliage, and an interesting form in winter.
Spring
With shiny dark green leaves offset against clusters of bright white flowers, they are a beautiful sight in spring. In North Texas, they hit peak-bloom in early spring just as the new leaves fully unfurl. The paired leaves’ glossy surface is highlighted further by the reddish petioles.
Summer
In summer, the abundant fruit becomes the headliner. The ½ inch fruits change from medium green, to pale red, before turning blue and then a shiny blueish-black. The fruit is persistent into the early winter months.
Fall
Fall brings the most colorful display, as the leaves turn a variety of splashy colors. The leaves can exhibit a wide palette of colors, from pink to orange, deep red, and even dark purple. Plus, the glossy leaves help to accentuate the colors.
Winter
Finally, in winter, the tree exhibits an intriguing branch structure as they arch, and the crown becomes rounded. The bark is initially a smooth gray color that separates into plates and darkens as the tree ages.
Friend to Wildlife
If Rufidulum’s beauty is not enough to convince you of its merits, it is also generous to our local wildlife. It provides pollen and nectar to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while birds and other small animals consume the fruit.
While unfortunately Rusty Blackhaw is not prevalent in our North Texas nurseries, they are occasionally available and, in many instances, can be ordered. Alternatively, spring and fall native plant sales often have them available.
Whether you are looking to begin your native plant journey or continuing to build your native landscape, the Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum is an excellent choice, one that will reward you throughout the year.
