Nyssa sylvatica
blackgum, tupelo, sourgum
Notes:
Long taproot complicates transplanting. Leafs out late. Mostly dioecious, but apparently not completely; UConn calls it "polygamo-dioecious".
Pyramidal when young, oval to irregularly rounded with age. Growth can be slow until established, but moist soil enhances growth rate. Fall color early and can be brief; best in full sun. Remove tight crotches to enhance resistance to ice/snow.
'Wildfire' and 'NSUHH' (Green Gable) have earned the PHS Gold Medal Award. They are also seedless, as are 'JFS-red' (Firestarter), 'JFS-PN Legacy1' (Gum Drop), and 'Haymanred' (Red Rage).
Sources: White Oak, Sunset, NCSU, Dove/Woolridge, UFL, JerseyYards.org, Missouri BG, UConn, USDA, Dirr/Warren.
Tags:
acidic soil preferred
alkaline soil intolerant
attracts:bees
attracts:birds (ex-humming)
attracts:mammals
branches strong
clay tolerant
compacted soil tolerant
deer resistant
dense canopy
dioecious
easy to grow
exposure:full sun
exposure:part shade
fall color notable
fire risk low
form:tree
habit:conical/pyramidal
habit:oval
habit:rounded
native:eastern North America
persistence:deciduous
pest/disease free
PHS Gold Medal Award
pollution sensitive
pruning not required
resprouts notably
roots:deep
roots:low damage potential
salt tolerant
sandy soil tolerant
showy bark
slow-growing
type:broadleaf
use:naturalizing
use:shade tree
use:specimen
use:street
water:moderate to little
water:regular
wet soil tolerant
wind tolerant
WON high-value plant
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