black gum
Nyssa sylvatica
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size30 to 50 feet tall20 to 30 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Greenish white
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) is a tree for specimen planting, shade gardens, rain gardens, and borders. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The glossy leaves turn scarlet in autumn, and bees and birds visit it. Birds eat the small blue berries. It sits low on the menu for deer.
Pairs well with Cinnamon fern, Smooth hydrangea, and Sedge.
Native range
Eastern North America.