Blackhaw

April 11, 2026

Blooming all over the mountains up here, trying to get as much attention as the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) and Redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees. Nearly as common as those two trees, the Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium).

This small tree is native to eastern North America, Connecticut west to eastern Kansas, and south to Alabama and Texas. Its berries (called drupes) turn to blue-black and are consumed by many species of birds from late summer through winter.

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What Are Drupes?

September 12, 2025

A drupe is defined as, “in botany, simple fleshy fruit that usually contains a single seed, such as the cherry, peach, and olive.” Thanks to Britannica.com. 

These drupes are on the deciduous shrub/small tree, Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium). They are red right now, and they’ll soon be turning to a blue-black color. There is a very long list of birds that find these fruits a valuable food source.

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