Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) fruit and flowers.
The tree known as black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) has such a modest look most of the year that it seems to go unnoticed by many. Also commonly known as tupelo or sour gum, the leaves are simple in shape, not lobed or compound, and they are alternate along the stem – an arrangement common to many trees. The flowers appear in May after the glossy leaves have already emerged. Their modest appearance is almost hidden by the foliage and certainly overlooked by many a human (although the bees notice them).
It is fall when black gum really shines, catching the attention of humans and providing abundant fruit for numerous birds. It is one of the first trees to transition to fall foliage, although most often it starts by sporting a few bright red leaves rather than a complete transition. Leaf spot is common on older leaves but it doesn’t prevent it the leaves from turning their brilliant shades of orange, red, and even purple.
While this tree is quite tolerant of damp places, you can also find and grow it in drier areas, making this one of our most adaptable native trees. It has statewide distribution and is found in all 5 ecoregions of Georgia. It is related to the tree known for tupelo honey, Nyssa ogeche, which grows in south Georgia. Black gum also offers a sweet treat to both native bees and honeybees.
A number of cultivars have been developed, especially ones with reliably red fall color – ‘Wildfire’ was one of the earliest ones – helping to ensure that this tree is more available to the public. Black gum is primarily dioecious, having male and female flowers mostly on separate plants with a few perfect flowers on each plant. Planting more than one helps to ensure better fruit set but don’t be surprised to find that there might already be a black gum near you that will provide cross-pollination support.
Fall is a great time to plant native trees in Georgia. Consider if black gum might be a good choice for your landscape, helping you to bring more ecological support to residential areas. Mature height is up to 50 feet and width to 25 feet, making this a good choice for many home areas.
Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) turning its characteristic fall colors.
