Revised
Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
Medium-sized trees
- Maximum height
30 feet - Relative growth rate
Poor - Freedom from insect pests
Excellent - Freedom from disease problems
Excellent - Resistance to storm damage
Good - Will grow on poorly drained soil
Good - Will grow in hot, dry areas
Poor - Easy to transplant
Very poor - Withstands city conditions
Poor
The scarlet to orange fall color of the black gum is one of the most brilliant fall colors of any tree species. It is a densely pyramidal tree with lustrous, dark green leathery leaves. It is a difficult tree to transplant, and like most hard-to-transplant trees, the smaller sizes have a better chance of surviving after they are moved. Black gum is sometimes difficult to find in many nurseries, but it should become more commonly available as more people get to know its merits. It is a slow-growing but pest-free tree.