Blackgum

Blackgum, also known as Black Tupelo, is a stunning, deciduous tree admired for its brilliant fall color, glossy green leaves, and ecological value. Growing 30-50 feet tall, this North American native is a favorite for naturalized landscapes, wildlife habitats, and water gardens. Blackgum's leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn, making it one of the most beautiful trees for fall color. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring that attract pollinators, followed by dark blue-black berries in late summer that provide an important food source for birds and small mammals. Blackgum is highly adaptable, thriving in both wet and dry soils and tolerating occasional flooding, which makes it suitable for a variety of planting sites.

Key Characteristics

• Brilliant Fall Foliage
  Blackgum is known for its spectacular autumn display, with leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple. This striking fall color adds vibrant beauty to landscapes and is a major attraction for gardens and parks.

• Pollinator-Friendly Spring Blooms
  Small, greenish-white flowers appear in spring, attracting bees and other pollinators. These flowers develop into berries that provide an important food source for birds and wildlife.

• Fruit for Wildlife
  The blue-black berries ripen in late summer and are a favorite for songbirds and small mammals, adding ecological value to any landscape.

• Adaptable to Wet and Dry Soils
  Blackgum is a versatile tree that tolerates a range of soil conditions, including both moist and dry soils. Its adaptability makes it a valuable choice for rain gardens, streambanks, and naturalized areas prone to wetness or drought.

• Resilient and Low-Maintenance
  Known for its toughness, Blackgum is resistant to pests and diseases and can live for many decades with minimal care. It's hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, tolerating a variety of climates from temperate to subtropical.

Product Details

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-draining soils but tolerates both wet and dry soils
• Bloom Time: Spring (April to May)
• Bloom Color: Greenish-white (inconspicuous)
• Fruit Qualities: Small, blue-black berries for wildlife
• Landscape Uses: Shade, fall color, wildlife habitat, rain gardens, streambanks
• Mature Height: 30-50 feet
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Blackgum is an exceptional landscape tree that brings beauty, adaptability, and ecological benefits to gardens and naturalized areas, with its fall color and wildlife-friendly berries making it a standout in any planting.