Guides · Tree database · Pennsylvania trees
Blackhaw identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Blackhaw, Viburnum prunifolium, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Opposite, simple leaves with toothed edges. Small, very finely toothed leaves 1 to 3 inches long, with a reddish leaf stem and often reddish edges. Bark: Gray-brown and broken into small square plates like alligator hide. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify blackhaw
| Leaf type | Opposite, simple leaves with toothed edges |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Small, very finely toothed leaves 1 to 3 inches long, with a reddish leaf stem and often reddish edges. |
| Bark | Gray-brown and broken into small square plates like alligator hide. |
| Fruit | Dark blue oval fruit about 1/4 inch with a whitish bloom, ripe in late summer; dried raisin-like fruit often hangs on. |
| Twigs | Stiff reddish brown twigs with many short side spurs. |
| Size and shape | Large shrub or small tree up to about 20 feet with a twisted trunk; dense clusters of creamy white flowers. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is blackhaw native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists blackhaw as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like blackhaw
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Nannyberry Viburnum lentago | Opposite, simple leaves with toothed edges. Glossy, finely toothed leaves 2 1/2 to 4 inches long with a long pointed tip and a reddish, winged, wavy leaf stem. |
| Flowering dogwood Cornus florida | Opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges. Oval leaves 3 to 5 inches long with smooth or slightly wavy edges and veins that curve toward the tip. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Questions
How do you identify blackhaw?
Look for opposite, simple leaves with toothed edges. Small, very finely toothed leaves 1 to 3 inches long, with a reddish leaf stem and often reddish edges. Bark: Gray-brown and broken into small square plates like alligator hide.
Is blackhaw native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists blackhaw as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does blackhaw get?
Large shrub or small tree up to about 20 feet with a twisted trunk; dense clusters of creamy white flowers.
How can you tell blackhaw in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Stiff reddish brown twigs with many short side spurs. Bark: Gray-brown and broken into small square plates like alligator hide.
What tree looks like blackhaw?
Nannyberry, Flowering dogwood. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Viburnum prunifolium fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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