Plant DetailShow Menu

Nyssa biflora is often confused with:
Nyssa aquatica Photo of Nyssa aquatica leaves
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Quercus bicolor Habit
Ilex verticillata ilex verticillata fruit and leaves
Quercus phellos Quercus phellos

Black Gum Nyssa biflora

Other plants called Black Gum:

Description

Black gum is a shade tree that prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained acidic soils.  This slow-growing tree is difficult to transplant so choose its location wisely.  It works well in a naturalized area, as a lawn, or street tree, or a low-lying area of the yard as it withstands wet sits well.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems.  Leaf miners and scale are occasional visitors.  Canker, leaf spots and rust can effect stressed trees.

Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bees#fall color#shade tree#rain garden#wildlife plant#slow growing#native tree#nectar plant#low maintenance#fall interest#street tree#black walnut#wet sites#low lying area#lawn tree#flooding#food source#Braham Arboretum#naturalized area#wet soils tolerant#clay soils tolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bees#fall color#shade tree#rain garden#wildlife plant#slow growing#native tree#nectar plant#low maintenance#fall interest#street tree#black walnut#wet sites#low lying area#lawn tree#flooding#food source#Braham Arboretum#naturalized area#wet soils tolerant#clay soils tolerant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Nyssa
    Species:
    biflora
    Family:
    Nyssaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    lumber, veneer, paper pulp, railroad ties, flooring, rollers in glass factories, blocks, gunstocks, and pistol grips
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    United States
    Distribution:
    NJ south to FL west to TX AK MI IL east through KY VI and MD,
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers are a nectar source for bees. Fruits are attractive to birds and small mammals.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Fruit Type:
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    dark purplish blue drupe ½-⅝ inch long
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    alternate simple elliptical entire margined 3-6 inch long 1-2 inch wide leaf
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Brown
    Light Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Ridges
    Bark Description:
    greyish brown and ridged bark
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Rain Garden
    Design Feature:
    Shade Tree
    Street Tree
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Pollinators
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Black Walnut
    Wet Soil