Sour Gum, Pepperidge, Tupelo,
Black gum trees are generally low-maintenance additions to a landscape, and they provide excellent ornamental value. Even though they take many years to reach their mature size, they must be planted in an area that allows them plenty of room to grow. Avoid planting this tree near walkways, patios, and other areas that get a lot of foot traffic to avoid stepping on its dropped fruit.
Tiny flowers in the spring give way to small dark blue fruits that are edible but sour, though they tend to attract birds and other wildlife. This tree is best planted in the spring.
Larval Host for the
Azalea Sphinx Moth
30-50'
20'-30'
SIZE
SOIL
Clay, Acidic, Loam, Sandy, Wet
LIGHT
Sun, Part Shade
BENEFITS
Bees, Birds, Mammals, Moths
NOTES
Edible, but sour, fruit that provides sustenance for a myriad of birds, insects and mammals. Intense fall color.
CHARACTERISTICS
Fall Color, Blue Berries, Deep Rooted, Tolerates Underplantings
April, May, June
Large Tree
This
flowers in
Black Gum
Nyssa sylvatica
DETAIL VIEW
DESCRIPTION
Black gum trees are generally low-maintenance additions to a landscape, and they provide excellent ornamental value. Even though they take many years to reach their mature size, they must be planted in an area that allows them plenty of room to grow. Avoid planting this tree near walkways, patios, and other areas that get a lot of foot traffic to avoid stepping on its dropped fruit.
Tiny flowers in the spring give way to small dark blue fruits that are edible but sour, though they tend to attract birds and other wildlife. This tree is best planted in the spring.