Rain Garden Plants: Black Gum

Black gum is a slow-growing, medium-sized, deciduous tree in the tupelo family (Nyssaceae). The glossy, dark green leaves grow alternately on branches. Leaves are elliptical in shape and have smooth edges. The small, greenish-yellow flowers are not showy. It is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are produced on different plants. Cross-pollination is required for fruit production. Egg-shaped, dark blue-black berries called drupes develop in the fall. Brilliant orange, red, and purple fall foliage adds a vibrant touch to the landscape. Deeply furrowed bark creates squared ridges. It is an important nectar source for native bees, honeybees, and other pollinators. Birds and mammals consume fruit, and it is susceptible to deer browse.

It is tolerant of wind, drought, heat, dry and wet soils, and occasional flooding.

• Height: 30 to 50 feet; occasionally, up to 90 feet
• Bloom color: Greenish-yellow
• Bloom time: May/June
• Hardiness zone: 5 to 9
• Salt tolerance: Moderately tolerant of salt spray and soil salt

Site Conditions

• Sun: Sun/Partial shade
• Soil: Acidic, moist, well-drained
• Hydrologic zones: Wet/Moist

Sources

Nyssa sylvatica, North Carolina State Extension

Blackgum Fact Sheet, United States Department of Agriculture  

Prepared by Jodi Sulpizio, Connie Schmotzer, Jessica Chou. Peer reviewed by Scott Sjolander and Sandra Feather. Finalized by Jodi Sulpizio