Black Gum Tree

Nyssa sylvatica

Nature Hills Nursery

Native Black Gum Delivers Fiery Crimson Fall Color Before Any Other Tree
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees
Stunning Scarlet, Orange, Purple & Yellow Fall Foliage

$97⁹⁰

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Full sun is best for the most vibrant fall color and a strong, symmetrical canopy. While it tolerates partial shade, you will see slower growth and less intense reds and oranges during the autumn months.
Soil: These trees prefer moist, acidic, and well drained soil but are famous for their ability to handle "wet feet" in low spots. If you have heavy clay, add organic compost to the planting hole to improve drainage, as stagnant water in heavy soil can lead to root issues during the first few years.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, provide 10 to 15 gallons of water per week to help the deep taproot establish. Once mature, the Black Gum is surprisingly drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during hot summers can lead to premature leaf drop or scorched edges. Keeping the soil consistently moist ensures the tree has the energy to produce its signature glossy foliage.

Pruning Tips

Black Gum trees bloom on new wood, but they rarely require heavy pruning because they naturally maintain a beautiful horizontal branching habit. If you need to shape the tree or remove crossing branches, do so in late winter while the tree is dormant to minimize sap loss. Think of pruning as a light structural tune up to remove the "three Ds": dead, damaged, or diseased wood.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because they encourage tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This prevents unnecessary winter kill and keeps the tree's energy focused on root development and winter dormancy.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Wet Soils, Drought resistant, Thornless
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	40-60 ft
Width	20-30 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Nyssa sylvatica
Species	sylvatica
Class	Cornales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Exceptional Fall Color - Native Black Gum!

One of the finest for wildlife and fall color is our magnificent Black Gum Tree (Nyssa sylvatica). Also called Sour Gum or Black Tupelo, this majestic tree is considered by many to be one of our most beautiful native trees for sale at Nature Hills Nursery!

Known for its graceful form, this deciduous tree features glossy dark green on top and pale underneath, the Black Gum tree has outstanding foliage! They'll flash and murmur in the breeze and create a very restful experience.

Cooler fall temperatures bring an incredible fall color display. The leaves turn a burnished mix of brilliant scarlet, purple, orange, and yellow.

Black Gum is pyramidal when young and then open with age, The airy, pendulous branch structure catches frost and light snow through winter. Black Gum's lovely form and textured bark brings a tremendous amount of winter interest. Standing tall at a mature height of 30-50 feet with a moderate spread, the Black Gum Tree creates an elegant silhouette that effortlessly complements its surroundings.

The tree is a significant wildlife resource, starting with the clusters of inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers that bloom for months in springtime! As you might imagine, beneficial insects appreciate reliable nectar. Its dark blue, berry-like fruits on female trees provide nourishment for birds and wildlife in late summer and fall.

This tree also boasts impressive longevity, with many specimens living over 100 years. Its sturdy, wind-resistant wood, with a dense interlocking grain, makes it an excellent choice for areas prone to storms, ensuring you enjoy its beauty for generations.

Easy to grow and hardy throughout USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, there's little in the way of maintenance, pests, or diseases you will need to worry about! Even deer do not seem to like the taste of the Tupelo Tree!

Also known as Blackgum, Tupelo, or Sour Gum, these trees are easy to grow! Hardy throughout USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9, there's little in the way of maintenance, pests, or diseases you will need to worry about!

Landscape Application:

This special tree appears to glow in the fall when light shines through the colorful leaves. Plant this deciduous tree where you can enjoy it from multiple vantage points, including indoors. Sling yourself a hammock in their shade to while away a lazy hour or two.

Enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space! On a large property, consider using several Black Gums in a curved planting, or allée. Fantastic as a shade tree and street tree, consider adding Black Gum to shade your outdoor entertainment areas or on the southwestern side of your home to reduce cooling bills in the summer.

Gift yourself a handsome vista to enjoy from your deck or patio. An ideal shade tree, watch your kids play on their Black Gum Tree shaded play structure! Enjoy good times with family and friends on your shaded patio.

All Black Gum are honey plants for bees and the small, dark blue fruit attracts birds. Make this spectacular native part of your diverse landscape and support a healthy ecology. This pollinator-friendly choice will help boost your yields from your Victory Gardens and Backyard Orchards.

Homesteaders can set up beehives and make good cash at Farmer's Markets and online. Create a lucrative business opportunity with an orchard of Black Gum trees and managed bee hives.

Urban gardeners will appreciate the Black Gum Tree's tolerance for air pollution and its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. Whether placed along streets, in parks, or as part of a larger green infrastructure project, this tree brings beauty, shade, and environmental benefits to urban settings. Naturalize near a creek bed or water feature, the Black Gum Tree's adaptability ensures it fits seamlessly into a variety of landscapes, from rural retreats to cityscapes.

These trees make great corporate campus trees on commercial property. Can you imagine how their vivid colors would draw people's eyes? Create a feature planting, with rows of trees equally spaced, to take advantage of the brilliant foliage!

Showy Native To North America
Dense Pyramidal Canopy
Glossy Green Tropical-Looking Foliage
Outstanding Purple, Yellow-Orange & Scarlet-Red Fall Color
Tiny Clusters of Flowers Bloom for Months
Excellent Nectar-Resource for Pollinators
Source Of Tupelo Honey
Small Fall Fruit Feeds Songbirds
Winter Bark Interest & Incredibly Tough Wood With Interlocking Grain
Great Deciduous Accent or Shade Tree

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Planting a Black Gum Tree is a rewarding endeavor and for the best color, plant Black Gum in a spot that receives full sun. However, if you live in a hot growing zone they will be grateful for partial shade in the afternoon.

These trees prefer moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. But one of the Black Gum's most enchanting features is its adaptability! It thrives in a variety of soil types, from wet, and swampy to moist soil areas to fast-draining uplands and dry soils. Making it a versatile choice for different landscapes.

Support the root system by top-dressing the area with a three-inch layer of pine bark or pine straw mulch over the root system.

Add Nature Hills Root Booster to your order, and apply it during planting according to the directions. Apply slow-release fertilizer for trees in early spring, and always follow the application rates on the label.

Give Black Gum trees a regular watering schedule, and this is most important during their first season in your landscape. This is a crucial time when a young tree's deep root system is becoming established.

Use the "Finger Test" to see when your tree needs water. Stick your finger in the ground nearby. Is it moist? Skip watering that day. If the soil is dry - time to water your tree well.

Prune to shape young trees in early spring. The goal is to develop a well-balanced tree that allows sunlight and air circulation to penetrate the canopy. These trees grow with a medium growth rate which makes them low-maintenance!

Tolerates Arctic Cold, High Heat & Humidity
Grows in Full Sun or Partial Shade
Moderate Moisture Needs
Prune In Late Winter/Early Spring
Disease & Pest Resistant
Deer Don't Prefer The Taste

Watch as the native Black Gum transforms your space into a vibrant, thriving haven! Plant a legacy with a managed landscape of native trees! Order Black Gum trees from our native plant experts today at Nature Hills Nursery!

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Doing Great!

I was concerned when our 2 trees arrived 6 weeks ago because they were just twigs! Spring must not have sprung where these were shipped from because a week in the Central Florida sun and they were full of new leaves and looked very healthy! I waited for two weeks before planting them and they have now been in the ground for about 4 weeks and I am already starting to get new growth! Highly recommend!!

Hi Raine M.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your new trees! We completely understand that receiving small, twig-like trees can feel a bit worrisome at first, but you handled it perfectly, giving them time to acclimate and thrive. It’s so uplifting to hear they’ve bounced back beautifully under your care and the Central Florida sun! New growth within just weeks is definitely a great sign that you’re off to a fantastic start.

If you ever have questions about ongoing care, watering tips, or seasonally best practices to keep them healthy and flourishing, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your mailing-grown beauties every step of the way.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Black Gum tree doing well

The tree arrived well-packaged and very healthy. Doing well in our Missouri soil. Won't hesitate to order again.

Dear Constance,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Black Gum tree! We’re delighted to hear that it arrived healthy and is thriving in your Missouri soil. It’s always great to know our packaging kept your tree safe through its journey to you.

If you ever want to boost its growth even more, remember that Black Gum trees appreciate occasional deep watering, especially in the first couple of years, and doing a light mulch around the base can really help retain moisture and protect roots. Should you have any questions as your tree continues to grow, we’re just a message away!

Looking forward to helping you with your next green addition.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Black Gum tree doing well

The tree arrived well-packaged and very healthy. Doing well in our Missouri soil. Won't hesitate to order again.

Dear Costance,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your Black Gum tree arrived healthy and is thriving in your Missouri soil. It’s always rewarding to know our plants are settling in well with devoted gardeners like you. If you ever need tips on care routines or soil enhancement to keep your tree flourishing, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your gardening journey and look forward to helping with your next order whenever you’re ready!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Excellent

Excellent

Hi Mike,

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us your 'Excellent' review! We're thrilled to hear that your experience with Nature Hills met your expectations. Should you ever have questions about your plants or need tips to keep your garden thriving, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Excellent

Excellent

Hi Mike,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you consider your experience with us 'Excellent.' If there’s ever anything you need advice on or plants you’re curious about, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support your gardening journey in any way we can.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is the Black Gum Tree hardy in?

The Black Gum Tree is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates. This native tree thrives in both northern and southern regions with minimal maintenance required. Plant in fall or early spring for best establishment.

How tall and wide does a Black Gum Tree get at maturity?

Black Gum Trees reach 30-50 feet tall at maturity with a moderate spread. They start pyramidal when young, then develop an open, graceful form as they age. Shop at Nature Hills for this long-lived native that thrives in zones 4-9.

Does the Black Gum Tree prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

Black Gum Trees thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions. They adapt well to various light levels, though full sun promotes the most vibrant fall color display. Plant in a location with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and that spectacular scarlet, purple, orange, and yellow autumn show.

How often should I water my newly planted Black Gum Tree?

Water newly planted Black Gum trees deeply once or twice weekly for the first growing season. These hardy natives (zones 4-9) need consistent moisture to establish their root system. Reduce frequency once established, as mature trees are quite drought tolerant.

When does the Black Gum Tree bloom and what color are the flowers?

Black Gum trees bloom in spring with clusters of small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers that provide nectar for months. These long-lasting blooms are excellent for beneficial insects. Shop this native beauty at naturehills.com for reliable spring pollinator support.

Are Black Gum Trees deer resistant?

Black Gum trees are naturally deer resistant, as deer typically avoid their foliage. This native tree's unpalatable leaves make it an excellent choice for areas with heavy deer pressure. Plant Black Gum in zones 4-9 for a low-maintenance, deer-proof landscape tree.

Does the Black Gum Tree tolerate wet or poorly drained soil conditions?

Black Gum trees are quite adaptable to various moisture conditions, including wet and poorly drained soils. In their native habitat, they often grow in swampy areas and along stream banks. For best results in zones 4-9, plant in spring and ensure good drainage if possible.

Black Gum Tree

Nyssa sylvatica