Description
Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) is a medium to large tree that can grow 30-50′ tall, and while it prefers medium to wet soil, it can tolerate a wide range of conditions once established. Mature trees have a pleasant pyramid to oval shape, and in autumn Black Gum really puts on a show when the leaves change to bright orange/scarlet. In landscaping, it is often used as a specimen or shade tree, and it can also be used for erosion control along slopes and streams. Â Black Gum has a number of wildlife benefits: small mammals and birds eat the dark blue fruit, older trees provide cavity and nesting sites, and the small flowers are an excellent nectar source for bees and other pollinators. It is a host plant for the Alien Probole Moth (pictured above), among others.
