Blackhaw is a fairly common small tree, distinguished from the similar and less common Rusty Blackhaw (V. rufidulum) by its dull upper leaf surfaces and lack of densely pubescent rusty-colored terminal buds.

Chapel Hill, NC 4/5/09.

Chapel Hill, NC 4/5/09.

Chapel Hill, NC 4/5/09.

Chapel Hill, NC 4/5/09.

Durham Co., NC 4/11/09.

The leaves resemble those of Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), hence the name prunifolium, but are opposite instead of alternate.

Durham Co., NC 4/1/07.

Large rounded heads of pleasantly fragrant white flowers are produced in mid-spring.

Blackhaw grows throughout North Carolina, but is most common in the Piedmont region.

Durham Co., NC 4/1/07.

Chapel Hill NC 4/20/03.

The form is open and lanky.

Chapel Hill, NC 4/5/09.

Bark detail.

Chapel Hill, NC 4/5/09.