Black Gum Tree

Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), also called black tupelo, turns scarlet earlier than most trees in the woods. Some live past 650 years. We ship bare-root black gum trees at 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 feet in packs of 25, 50, 100 and 500, for landowners, nurseries, restoration crews and contractors.

Black Gum Tree Size, Zones and Sun

In a yard, black gum usually stops at 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 21 to 36 feet. Forest trees climb to 40 to 70 feet. Limbs leave the trunk at nearly right angles, so the crown looks layered. Growth is slow, about 12 to 15 feet over ten years. The tree is hardy in zones 4-9 and grows in full sun to part shade.

Leaves, Bark and Fall Color

Leaves run 3 to 6 inches long, dark and glossy on top and paler underneath. In fall they go purple first and then scarlet, and a few trees turn yellow or orange. Bark is gray to nearly black. On older trunks it cracks into hard, square blocks that stand out in winter.

Fruit, Birds and Bees

Small greenish-white flowers in spring feed bees, and black tupelo is a major source of wild honey in parts of its range. Only female trees set fruit. The blue-black, sour fruit ripens from late summer into fall, and thrushes, robins and other songbirds, wild turkeys, black bears, foxes and raccoons eat it from August through October. The early color change is thought to draw birds to the crop. Plant several trees if you want fruit. See our guide to landscaping with black gum trees.

Where Black Gum Grows Best

It grows on upland slopes and in swamps. Moist, acidic, well-drained soil on stream bottoms and lower slopes suits it best, and it handles poorly drained ground, standing water and drought. White-tailed deer eat young sprouts, but the tree is listed as somewhat deer resistant. Read about black gum tree characteristics and varieties before choosing a site.

Good to Know About Black Gum

Young black gums send down a deep taproot, so dig the planting hole deep and keep the roots straight. Plant while the tree is dormant and water it in well. Soil with a pH below 6 suits it best.

Black Gum Wood

The wood is heavy, hard and tough, and hard to split. It has been used for mauls, wheel hubs, bowls, factory flooring and railroad ties, because it takes creosote well.

Black Gum Sizes, Packs and Shipping

Black gum trees ship bare-root in November, in 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 foot sizes and packs of 25, 50, 100 and 500. Volume pricing available. Browse more trees for sale in our wholesale collection.