Native Shade Tree with Spectacular Fall Color and Wildlife Value
Black Gum features glossy dark green foliage that transforms into brilliant scarlet, orange, and purple fall color with distinctive blocky bark that provides exceptional multi-season interest. This native deciduous tree delivers outstanding autumn display, valuable wildlife food source, and adaptable growth, making it perfect for specimen plantings, naturalized areas, and adding dramatic fall color to landscapes.
Key Features
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Spectacular Fall Color: One of the first trees to turn in fall with brilliant scarlet, orange, yellow, and purple hues
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Glossy Summer Foliage: Dark green lustrous leaves provide attractive summer canopy
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Wildlife Magnet: Blue-black berries in fall provide important food for birds and wildlife
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Distinctive Bark: Develops attractive blocky, alligator-like bark with age
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Native Adaptability: Native to eastern North America, tolerates wet and dry conditions
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Strong, Flexible Structure: Black gum branches are sturdy and tend to hold up well against the weight of ice and snow without breaking. The wood is notoriously difficult to split, a characteristic that helps it resist damage from wind and severe weather.
Growing Specifications
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Light: Full sun to part shade
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Mature Size: 30-50' tall x 20-30' wide
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Type: Deciduous tree
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Pruning: Prune in late winter to maintain shape. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed. Minimal pruning required.
Landscape Uses
Perfect for specimen plantings, naturalized areas, rain gardens, and mixed borders. Excellent choice for adding brilliant fall color to landscapes. Pairs beautifully with native perennials, dogwoods, and serviceberries. Ideal for wildlife gardens and properties seeking low-maintenance native trees with exceptional seasonal interest.
Care & Growing Conditions
Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, acidic, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Tolerates wet conditions and occasional flooding. Apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Water regularly during establishment. Once established, moderately drought tolerant. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
For detailed planting instructions, visit our Proper Planting Directions page.
Pricing & Availability
All items are subject to availability. You may contact us via email - mulchpit1@gmail.com or call us at 615-754-7076 to check our current availability. We strive to keep our website prices accurate, but prices are subject to change.
