Nyssa sylvatica

Black Gum

This Plants of Merit winner, it is one of our most beautiful and underused native trees and rivals anything for fall color displays. The attractive glossy, dark green leaves turn a fluorescent yellow to orange to scarlet red to purple in fall. Wonderfully spectacular! The bark has almost alligator-like patterns and is dark gray to almost black. The fruit, a favorite for many birds, ripens to dark blue in the fall and is the size of navy beans. The deep rooted tree is difficult to transplant when mature. Host plant for the black and white Hebrew moth. There are separate male and female trees.

Additional Information:

Height 30-50 Feet

Spread 20-30 Feet

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-7

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Characteristics & Attributes