Nyssa sylvatica

Black Gum

Black gum is a stately, slow-growing, deciduous tree with a straight trunk and rounded crown (more pyramidal when young). Small, greenish-white flowers appear in spring and are not showy, but they are an excellent nectar source for honey bees, native bees and other pollinators. Insect-eating birds such as kinglets, phoebes, pine warblers and others visit the tree to feed on the small insects it attracts. Flowers give way to oval, 1/2" long, dark blue fruits that are attractive to a variety of birds. Foliage turns spectacular scarlet, yellow and orange in the fall.

Benefits:

Heavy nectar producer, drawing all kinds of pollinators

Insect eating birds visit the tree to feed on pollinators

Excellent fruit for a number of birds

Beautiful in the fall with multiple foliage colors on one tree

Will grow in wet as well as dry soils

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Easy to grow in full sun to part shade.

A big tree, so give it plenty of room to reach full growth.

Will grow in a variety of conditions from boggy soils to dry, sandy ones.

Plant in masses to assure berry set.

Height 30-40 Feet

Spread 20-30 Feet

Native Range Low woods, swamps; Maine southern Ontario, and Minnesota south to Texas and Florida

Native Trivia The tree also goes by the common name "sour gum." That is because the fruit, though technically edible, is quite sour. Beekeepers value the nectar for making quality honey.

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-9

"Birds love this tree's flowers and fruit!"

Characteristics & Attributes

Plan Sub Group • Deciduous Trees	Exposure • Sun • Filtered Shade	Soil • Wide soil tolerance	Soil Moisture Preference • Moist • Wet • Dry • Moist but well-drained • Average
Attracts Wildlife • Beneficial insects • Songbirds	Bloom Time • Late Spring / Early Summer	Habitat Collection • Dry Shade • Wet Sun • Butterfly • Songbird	Foliage Color • Green