Photos of Viburnum rufidulum, Rusty Blackhaw, Southern Blackhaw

Viburnum rufidulum, Rusty Blackhaw was recognized by C.S. Rafinesque in 1838 as a distinct southern relative of Blackhaw, Viburnum prunifolium. Rusty Blackhaw has midviens of lower leaf surface and leastalks with abundant, rusty (chestnut-brown) stellate hairs. Leaves usually shiny above when mature, (dull in Viburnum prunifolium). Used similarly. and undoubtedly confused with it when wild harvested. Root- or stem-bark tea used by indigenous groups, then adopted by Europeans for painful menses, relieve spasms after childbirth. Considered uterine tonic, sedative, antispasmodic, and nervine. Research confirms uterine-sedative, pain-reliving, anti-inflammatory, and spasm-reducing properties of closely-related species.

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