Rusty Blackhaw (Trees of Eisenhower State Park)

Rusty Blackhaw

Viburnum rufidulum

Summary ⁶

Viburnum rufidulum, also known as the rusty blackhaw, blue haw, rusty nanny-berry, or southern black haw, is a flowering species of shrub or small tree that is common in parts of the Eastern and Central United States. It produces attractive flowers and fall foliage, as well as fruits that are popular with some species of bird.

General description ⁷

Viburnum rufidulum is noted as a food source for most birds, some mammals, even including foxes. The fruits, leaves, and twigs can be eaten by herbivorous animals such as the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virgianianus) in upland forested areas (Sallee, 2002: 15).

Historically the Plains Apache utilized the plant as a food source (one of 48 plants documented in the study), though it is unclear exactly what part of the plant was used (Jordan, 2006: 28).

References

Jordan, J. 2006. Vascular Plants Utilized by the Plains Apache in Southwestern Oklahoma. Publications of the Oklahoma Biological Survey 7: 24-33.

Sallee, D. 2002. Use of Geographic Information Systems and Infrared-Triggered Cameras to Assess White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virgianianus) in Denton County, Texas. (Master of Science thesis). 106 pp. Denton, Texas: University of North Texas.