Smooth Black-haw (Viburnum prunifolium)

Life history

Species overview

Smooth Black-haw (Viburnum prunifolium), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found in rich, hardwood forests, often with dolomite near the surface. Blooming occurs late May through late June; fruiting occurs early July through early September. The optimal identification period for this species is late May through early September.

Synonyms: Viburnum bushii, Viburnum prunifolium var. bushii, Viburnum prunifolium var. globosum, Viburnum prunifolium var. prunifolium

Identification

• Distinguishing characteristics: Distinguished from other viburnums that have anastamosing leaf veins (branching and reforming before reaching margins), by having very short peduncles (less than 5 mm) and having petioles narrowly winged or wingless.
• Flower characteristics: Many small, mostly white flowers in umbelliform inflorescence, 5 to 10 cm wide.
• Fruit characteristics: Drupe sweetish, blue-black, 9 to 15 mm; stone flat, scarcely grooved.
• Leaf characteristics: Opposite, oblong or elliptic, rounded to acute at the tip, edges serrulate, obtuse to rounded at the base; floral leaves 2 to 5 cm; leaves on sterile stems 6 to 8 cm in length.

Phenology

• Blooming phenology: late May through late June
• Fruiting phenology: early July through early September
• Optimum time to identify: The optimal identification period for this species is late May through early September

Other

• Growth form: Shrub/small tree
• Vegetative reproduction:
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Comments: Associated Species: Acer saccharum, Tilia americana, Fraxinus americana, Carya cordiformis, Juglans nigra, Ulmus rubra, Fagus grandifolia, Solidago ulmifolia, Galium concinnum.

State status

Status and Natural Heritage Inventory documented occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status - state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Smooth Black-haw (Viburnum prunifolium). See the Working List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Habitats and landscapes

The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which each of Wisconsin's rare plant species is associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.

General habitat information

• Habitat description: Found in rich, hardwood forests, often with dolomite near the surface.
• Soils: Moist to dry, often clayey soils.

Natural communities

This table lists the natural communities that are associated with Smooth Black-haw. Scores for natural community associations are: "significant" association (score=3), "moderate association" (score=2) or the species can be present but is only weakly associated with the community (score=1).

Ecological landscapes

This table lists the ecological landscape association scores for Smooth Black-haw. The scores (3=High, 2=Moderate, 1=Low, 0=None) also correspond to the map.

Species guidance

The Endangered Resources Program has developed avoidance measures and management guidelines for plants on the Natural Heritage Working List. These are a work in progress, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback. Sources used in developing this information can be found here.

Avoidance measures

These are specific actions designed to avoid "take" (mortality) of this species.

• Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides; use care with spot spraying.
• Avoid locating landings, staging areas, or access routes on or near known populations.
• Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Management guidance

Management guidelines are additional considerations that may help maintain or enhance habitat for this species

• Minimize disturbance to hydrology, including soil disturbance from rutting.
• Avoid rapid and dramatic reductions in canopy cover or basal area in wet areas to reduce risk of swamping.

Other resources

Links to additional Smooth Black-haw information

Other links related to vascular plants (all exit the DNR website)

• Wisconsin Flora
• NatureServe Explorer
• Atlas of Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora - Wisconsin State Herbarium
• USDA - NRCS Plants Database
• USGS Midwestern Wetland Flora - field office guide to plant species
• eFloras
• Cofrin Center for Biodiversity Herbarium
• Intermountain Herbarium Grasses of North America
• Orchids of Wisconsin

Photos

Click to view a larger version. Please considering donating a photo to the Natural Heritage Conservation Program for educational uses. Photo use