Black Gum
Black Gum
Nyssa slyvatica
Plant Details:
Plant type: Tree | Straight native species
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil moisture: Dry to wet
Mature size: 30–50 ft. tall × 20–30 ft. wide
Bloom time: May–June
Growth rate: Slow to medium
Container size: 3 gallon pot
Estimated size at pickup in feet (if available): 4-5
Great For
• Medium shade or specimen tree
• Rain-garden edge and low landscape areas
• Wildlife and naturalized plantings
Ecological Benefits
• Small flowers are an important nectar source for bees. Fruit is eaten by many birds, and foliage supports native caterpillars.
Why We Recommend It
Black Gum is one of the finest native trees for fall color, often turning brilliant shades of red, orange, purple, and yellow. We recommend it as a medium specimen or shade tree for wildlife gardens, low areas, and sites that range from seasonally wet to dry once established. Its flowers provide important bee forage, fruit feeds many birds, and the foliage supports native moths. Growth is relatively slow, and acidic soil is preferred, but the long-term display is exceptional.
Good to Know
• One of the best native trees for fall color
• Adaptable to both dry and seasonally wet sites
• High-value tree for bees and birds
Care/behavior information: Plant young because the strong taproot makes established trees difficult to transplant. Provide water during establishment.
Warning or placement concerns (if applicable): Growth is relatively slow, and fruit production varies among trees. Prefers acidic soil and may develop chlorosis in highly alkaline sites.
Notable wildlife detail (if applicable): A host plant for the black-and-white hebrew moth and several other native moths.
Deer resistant (if applicable):
Rabbit resistant (if applicable):
Special tolerances: Drought once established; seasonal flooding; clay soil; urban conditions
Fall 2026 Plant Pickup
This is a preorder item and will not be available until our fall pickup event. Plants are not shipped.
Pickup Dates
Thursday, October 1, 2026 |11:00 AM–6:00 PM in Noblesville, IN
Friday, October 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM in Noblesville, IN
Pickup Location
Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Noblesville, Indiana. More info will be shared via email as the pick-up dates approach.
Please plan to pick up your order during one of these scheduled times. Plants are living material and cannot be held beyond the pickup event unless prior arrangements have been made.
Plant Guarantee
We guarantee that you will receive a healthy plant at pickup. Because survival depends on planting methods, weather, site conditions, and ongoing care, we cannot offer refunds or guarantees after pickup. Height estimates are approximate and not guaranteed. Remember that you're investing in a healthy root system—the foundation of long-term success—not simply above-ground height.
Photos courtesy of Arbor Day Foundation and/or Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder.