Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

$25.00
1 Gallon USDA Zones 3–9 Full Sun and Part Shade Matures 60–80 Feet
Size: 1 Gallon

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

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Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
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The Full Story

Black gum is one of the longest-lived hardwoods in eastern North America; individual trees have been aged past six hundred and fifty years, standing quietly in swamp margins and rocky uplands while everything human around them came and went. The names alone are a small history lesson. Nyssa was a water nymph of Greek myth, sylvatica means of the woods, so the botanical name reads as water nymph of the forest; tupelo comes from the Creek ito and opilwa, tree and swamp; and the old northern name pepperidge is the one a Connecticut baker borrowed for her farm and her bread company. Curiously, no part of the tree is gummy at all. What black gum does own is the autumn. They are among the first trees to turn and among the fiercest, the glossy summer leaves igniting into scarlet, orange, and deep wine-purple weeks before the rest of the woods has given the season a thought, an early flare that signals birds to the ripening blue fruit. The wood is so cross-grained it is nearly impossible to split, which sent it into tool handles, chopping bowls, and, where trunks went hollow with age, into bee gums, the log hives that made gum a synonym for beehive across Appalachia. Black gum is notoriously hard to move at any size, which is exactly why you so rarely see a big one for sale, and exactly why you should start one small, now, and let them outlive you.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Size: 1 Gallon
Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 3–9
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Acid, Moist, Well-drained
Mature size
Height 60–80 Feet · Spread 30–40 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Deciduous
Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Inconspicuous greenish-yellow

Flowers
Small, greenish-white, and easy to miss, opening in late spring as the new leaves expand. The tree is mostly dioecious, so fruit set depends on a male nearby. What the flowers lack in show they make up in nectar, and bees work them hard, though a note on a common mix-up: the famous tupelo honey of the Florida swamps comes from white tupelo, Nyssa ogeche, not from this upland species.

Fruit
Small oval drupes, about half an inch, ripening from green to dark blue-black in early fall. Sour to us, irresistible to birds; robins, thrushes, woodpeckers, and bluebirds strip them quickly, often before the fall color has fully arrived.

Foliage
The reason to grow the tree. Simple, glossy, leathery leaves, three to six inches long, a deep clean green all summer, then turning early and turning hard through scarlet, orange, and gold to a final bruised purple, frequently all of those colors on a single branch at once.

Care

Read our full care guide

Planting Instructions:

  • Location: Select a site with full sun to partial shade. Full sun enhances fall coloration, while partial shade is suitable for hotter climates.
  • Soil: Prefers acidic, moist, and well-draining soils but can tolerate clay, loam, and sandy soils. Avoid planting in alkaline soils.
  • Spacing: Provide at least 20–30 feet of space from other trees or structures to accommodate its mature spread.

Watering:

  • Water deeply during the first few years to establish a strong root system.
  • Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture, especially during prolonged dry periods.
  • Black Tupelo thrives in areas with periodic wet soils but does not tolerate standing water.

Fertilization:

  • Generally does not require fertilization if planted in nutrient-rich soil.
  • For poor soils, apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring.
  • Avoid over-fertilizing, which may lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of its natural form.

Pruning:

  • Prune during the dormant season (late winter to early spring) to shape the tree and remove dead or damaged branches.
  • Nyssa sylvatica has a naturally symmetrical growth habit, so minimal pruning is typically required.
  • Remove any suckers or competing leaders to maintain a strong central trunk.

Temperature and Hardiness:

  • Hardy in USDA zones 4–9.
  • Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, including cold winters and hot summers.
  • Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature during extreme weather.

Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally pest-free but may occasionally experience issues with scale insects, aphids, or leaf spot diseases. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.
  • Good cultural practices, such as proper watering and spacing, can help prevent disease.

Additional Tips:

  • Use as a shade tree, ornamental focal point, or in naturalized areas where its beautiful fall foliage can be showcased.
  • Pair with other native trees like Red Maples (Acer rubrum) or Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) for a harmonious landscape.
  • Encourage wildlife by planting Nyssa sylvatica; its berries attract birds and other wildlife in the fall.

Nyssa sylvatica is a versatile and resilient tree that rewards gardeners with year-round beauty and exceptional fall color, making it a worthwhile addition to any garden or landscape.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Also found in
As written on The Node
The Black Gum Chronicles: A Tree of History, Healing, and Beauty
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.