Deciduous trees – Black Gum Tree

Black gum tree

Botanical name: nyssa sylvatica 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 65-85 ft in height with a 20-30 ft spread 

Bloom time: late spring-early summer

Hardy zone: zones 3-10

Flower color: white 

Foliage color: green, red, orange, yellow, purple 

Growth rate: grows 1-2 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the winter/spring to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings 

Landscape use: privacy, windbreak, creates shade

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: deer resistant, pet-friendly, clay tolerant, beautiful fall color, likes wet soil

Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist, never letting the soil completely dry out between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : fertilize with a tree and shrub plant food liquid fertilizer in the early spring, continuing monthly through to the early summer 

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: loam or clay 

Companion plants: winterberry, black chokeberry, elderberry, red maple 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no