Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) is a medium-growing flowering tree, hardy in USDA zones 3-9, that matures to about 30-50 ft × 20-30 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with high water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect green and white blooms in spring and summer. It attracts bees, frogs and pollinators, stands up well to black walnut, deer and drought.

USDA zones

3-9

Sun

Full sun, Part shade

Water

High

Mature size

30-50 ft × 20-30 ft

Growth rate

Medium

Maintenance

Low

Soil

Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry, Occasionally-wet

Bloom color

Green, White

Bloom season

Spring, Summer

Attracts

Bees, Frogs, Pollinators, Reptiles, Small mammals, Songbirds

Tough against

Black walnut, Deer, Drought, Dry soil, Fire, Heat, Pollution, Salt, Wet soil, Wind

Native to

Eastern North America