Black Gum Tree

Nyssa sylvatica

The Black Gum tree, also known as Nyssa sylvatica, is a beautiful and versatile tree native to North America. Here's some information about it:

1. Appearance: The Black Gum tree is a deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 30-50 feet (9-15 meters) with a spread of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters). It has a pyramidal shape when young, gradually becoming more rounded with age. The leaves are glossy green during the summer and turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall.

2. Bark: The bark of the Black Gum tree is grayish-brown and develops distinctive blocky ridges as the tree matures. It adds visual interest to the tree, especially during the winter months.

3. Flowers: In the spring, small greenish-white flowers appear on the tree. While they are not particularly showy, they attract bees and other pollinators.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance.  Scale, rust, canker, and leaf spots can be occasional problems.  Can tolerate both standing water and some drought.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Naturalized Areas, Shade Tree, and Privacy Screen. 

COMPANION PLANTS:  Bald Cypress,  Swamp Oak,  Swamp Rosemallow

IMAGE:  Bostonian13,  Nyssa sylvatica tree,  CC BY-SA 3.0

Famartin,  2014-11-02 12 47 37 Black Tupelo foliage during autumn at the College of New Jersey in Ewing, New Jersey, CC BY-SA 4.0