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.