About the Blackgum
The blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica), also called black tupelo, sour gum, or pepperidge, is widely regarded as one of the most brilliantly colored fall trees in Eastern North America. Its leaves turn an intense scarlet to crimson red – often as vivid as any maple – and it is one of the first trees to do so each autumn, consistently leading the fall color display in Middle Tennessee by several weeks.
Beyond its fall spectacle, blackgum is a supremely adaptable native tree that grows naturally across a remarkable range of sites: from wet bottomland swamps and pond edges to dry rocky ridge tops. This adaptability makes it one of the most reliable native trees for Nashville homeowners.
Blackgum also offers exceptional wildlife value year-round, with spring flowers for pollinators and small blue-black fruits that are a critical fall food source for dozens of bird species – making it one of the top native trees for supporting backyard biodiversity.
Identification
- Bark: Gray to dark gray-brown, with blocky, irregular plates on mature trees that somewhat resemble alligator hide. Younger bark is smoother and lighter gray.
- Leaves: Simple, oval to obovate, 2 to 5 inches long with smooth or slightly wavy margins and a glossy, dark green upper surface. One of the best fall colors of any native tree: intense scarlet, orange, and crimson.
- Fruit: Small, oval drupes about ½ inch long, ripening from green to dark blue-black in September – October. Tart and astringent, but an important wildlife food.
- Form: Straight, single-trunked tree with horizontal branching and an irregular, open crown. Develops a picturesque winter silhouette.
Planting & Care in Nashville
- Soil: Blackgum is highly adaptable – it grows in moist to wet bottomland soils as well as dry, rocky upland soils. For best growth and fall color, plant in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It dislikes highly alkaline soils.
- Sun: Full sun is ideal for the best fall color intensity. It tolerates partial shade but color may be less vivid in shaded sites.
- Transplanting: Blackgum has a deep taproot and is best planted young from container stock. Older or larger trees transplant poorly. Plant in a permanent location and avoid disturbing the root system once established.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed. Remove dead or damaged limbs in late winter or early spring while dormant. Blackgum tends to hold dead branches in the crown – periodic crown cleaning is beneficial.
- Pest and disease resistance: Blackgum is generally resistant to serious pests and diseases. It is occasionally affected by leaf spot fungi and scale insects, but healthy established trees tolerate these without significant decline.
- Urban tolerance: Blackgum performs well in urban environments – it tolerates air pollution, adapted to both wet and dry conditions, and is a good choice for rain gardens or sites with periodic flooding.
Wildlife Value & Nashville Relevance
Blackgum is one of the most ecologically valuable native trees you can plant in a Nashville yard. Its contributions to local wildlife include:
- Early fall fruit: The blue-black drupes ripen in September – October, providing a critical high-energy food source for migrating birds at exactly the right time. More than 30 bird species consume blackgum fruit, including eastern bluebird, American robin, wood thrush, cedar waxwing, red-bellied woodpecker, and hermit thrush.
- Honey plant: Blackgum flowers are a significant nectar source for honey bees and native bees in spring. Blackgum honey, produced where the tree is abundant, is considered one of the finest honeys in the eastern United States.
- Cavity trees: Old blackgum trees often develop cavities that provide nesting sites for cavity-nesting birds, small mammals, and native bees.
In Nashville's natural areas, blackgum is a characteristic component of the moist cove forests, floodplain edges, and upland ridges of the Cumberland Plateau and Highland Rim. Planting blackgum in your landscape connects your property to the broader native ecosystem.
Watch: Is Blackgum the Best Tree for Your Yard?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between blackgum and black tupelo?
Blackgum and black tupelo are the same tree – Nyssa sylvatica. "Blackgum" is more common in the upland South; "black tupelo" is more common in coastal and lowland areas. Other regional names include sour gum and pepperidge. All refer to the same brilliantly colored native species.
When does blackgum turn red in fall in Nashville?
Blackgum is one of the earliest trees to show fall color in Middle Tennessee, typically beginning to turn scarlet to crimson red in late September to early October – often leading the fall color display by several weeks ahead of maples and oaks. The color peaks in mid-October in the Nashville area.
Does blackgum grow in wet soil?
Yes – blackgum is notable for growing in both wet and dry conditions. In the wild it grows in bottomland swamps and pond edges as well as dry ridgetops. This adaptability makes it one of the most versatile native trees for Nashville landscapes, including rain gardens and sites with periodic wet conditions.
Is blackgum a good shade tree for Nashville?
Blackgum is an excellent landscape tree for Nashville. It is native to Middle Tennessee, provides outstanding multi-season interest (spring flowers for pollinators, summer shade, brilliant fall color, and persistent berries for birds), and adapts to a wide range of soil conditions. Its moderate size – typically 30 to 50 feet – suits a wide variety of residential and commercial sites.
Does blackgum attract wildlife?
Yes – blackgum is an exceptional wildlife tree. Its spring flowers are a valuable nectar source for native bees and honey bees (blackgum honey is considered one of the finest in the eastern U.S.). The blue-black fall fruits are consumed by more than 30 bird species, including eastern bluebirds, American robins, wood thrushes, and cedar waxwings.
Questions About Your Blackgum Tree?
Smith Works Tree Service serves Nashville and Middle Tennessee with professional tree care, trimming, and removal services.