Botanical Name
Nyssa sylvatica var. sylvatica
Common Name
Black Gum
Wetland Status
FAC
Slow-growing, deciduous, native tree, stately with a straight trunk & rounded crown, grows 30-50' tall. Separate male and female trees. Small, greenish-white flowers in spring (excellent nectar source for bees), followed by oval, 1/2" long fruits which mature to a dark blue and are attractive to birds and wildlife. Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, acidic soils but tolerates poorly-drained soils.