Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Price range: $24.99 through $44.99

In Stock
Key Features
Mature Height

30 - 50'

Container Size

1 Gallon, 2 Gallon

Bloom Time

May, June

Bloom Color

Green, White

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist, Wet

Soil Type

Medium to wet, acidic.

Hardiness Zone

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Requirements

Part shade, Part Sun, Full sun

U.S. Range

AL, AR, CT, FL, GA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI

Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) is a medium to large tree that can grow 30-50′ tall, and while it prefers medium to wet soil, it can tolerate a wide range of conditions once established. Mature trees have a pleasant pyramid to oval shape, and in autumn Black Gum really puts on a show when the leaves change to bright orange/scarlet. In landscaping, it is often used as a specimen or shade tree, and it can also be used for erosion control along slopes and streams. Black Gum has a number of wildlife benefits: small mammals and birds eat the dark blue fruit, older trees provide cavity and nesting sites, and the small flowers are an excellent nectar source for bees and other pollinators. It is a host plant for the Alien Probole Moth (pictured above), among others.

Direct Native Plants ships from our nurseries in Middle River, Maryland, and Woodstock, Illinois. Orders are shipped via FedEx Ground from these locations and typically arrive at most destinations within two (2) business days from the day they ship.

To get your plants to you as quickly and efficiently as possible, we ship orders based on current inventory availability and your proximity to our nurseries. This helps ensure faster delivery and the best experience for your order. In some cases, items in the same order may ship from different locations.

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