Today we are going to study the Black Gum Tree (Nyssa sylvatica). Black Gun is also referred to as Sour gum or Black tupelo. According to literature cited from “The University of Florida IFAS Extension Service” Black Gum is a hardwood with medium growth rate that can generally reach heights of 75 feet and a crown spread of 25 – 35 feet. Black Gum makes its home comfortably within the USDA hardiness zones of 4B – 9B in locations with full sun, part sun or part shade. Black Gum trees are known for high drought tolerance and spectacular fall showy colors of orange or red. A native tree to Eastern North America Black Gum is found naturally occurring from Ontario and Mane, south to Florida and west to Texas. According to information from “Penn State University” Black Gun in the wild is often found on dry upland sites, but is also at home on the edges of swamps and bogs. Best growth is on slightly acid soil with a pH 4.5 – 6.5. Black Gum makes for good planting in parking lot islands, strip planting along the highway and erosion control reclamation. The twigs and foliage are enjoyed by black bear, white-tailed deer and wild turkey. Black Gum is polygamo-dioecious meaning most flowers are dioecious (one sex flowers) but some bisexual flowers may appear. Normally the fruit is pollinated from male flowers on a separate tree. Dioecious trees have male (staminate) flowers on one tree and female (pistilate) flowers on a separate tree. Monoecious Trees produce both Males (staminate) flowers and female (pistilate) flowers all on the same tree.
Remember Yacko and Sons Tree Service is always ready to help serve you with tree care! Our services include tree removal, stump grinding, tree pruning, cable and bracing. Contact our staff Forester / Licensed Arborist FOR YOUR FREE TREE LOOK-UP FROM THE TRUNK-UP! jeff@yackoandsons.com or 203-733-9219.
