Nyssa sylvatica
Description: The Black Gum is a large tree that can grow up to 115 feet tall, characterized by a tall, straight trunk and a narrow crown adorned with horizontal branches.
Twig/Bark: The bark is grayish-brown to black and has a thick texture. On older trees, the bark becomes deeply fissured and breaks into blocky, irregular plates. The twigs are slender and range in color from reddish-brown to gray.
Leaves: The leaves are rounded in shape, featuring a few coarse, broad teeth along their edges. The blades are thin, with the upper surface exhibiting a dark green, shiny appearance, while the lower surface is typically paler. In the fall, the foliage transforms into a vibrant bright red, adding significant seasonal interest.
Flower/Fruit: In the spring, the tree produces greenish flowers that add subtle color to its appearance. By the fall, the fruit matures into a dark blue to nearly black color, adorned with minute white spots, providing visual appeal throughout the season.
Habitat: The Black Gum thrives in a variety of habitats, including dry to mesic upland forests and woodlands. It is commonly found in bottomland and riparian forests, as well as along stream banks, wetland margins, roadsides, old fields, and pastures, demonstrating its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. This species is considered shade intolerant, thriving best in open, sunny environments.