Black haw

Black Haw (scientific name: Viburnum prunifolium) is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae. It is native to North America, specifically the central and eastern regions of the United States.

Description

Black Haw is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 2–9 meters tall. The bark is dark gray and the branchlets are light green, terete, and glabrous. The leaves are opposite, petiolate, and simple. The flowers are white and borne in corymbs; they bloom in late spring. The fruit is a drupe, which is dark blue to black when mature.

Habitat and Distribution

Black Haw is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, prairies, and along streams. It is tolerant of a range of soil types and moisture levels. Its range extends from Connecticut to eastern Kansas, and south to Alabama and Texas.

Uses

Black Haw has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans and early settlers. The bark is used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including menstrual cramps, postpartum pain, and symptoms of menopause. It is also used as a sedative and anti-spasmodic.

Cultivation

Black Haw is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and fruit. It is also used in landscaping for its tolerance of a range of soil conditions and its resistance to pests and diseases.

Conservation Status

Black Haw is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, like all native plants, it is vulnerable to habitat loss due to development and agriculture.

See Also

• Viburnum
• Adoxaceae
• Medicinal plants