PlantsTrees
Black Gum
Nyssa sylvatica
Chicago-region native. Suited to zone 6a.
Strong fall color and wet-soil tolerance
ModerateTreesAlso Rain GardenRain garden
- Light
- Full sun–part shade
- Moisture
- Medium–moist
- Mature size
- 25–45 ft
- Spacing
- 20–35 ft
- Bloom or harvest
- Flowers spring; blue fruit; fall color
- How it spreads
- Medium tree
- What to buy
- Container or balled-and-burlapped; bare-root in early spring.
- When to plant
- Early Apr–May after soil thaws and drains; Sep–mid Oct for container/B&B. Bare-root: early spring.
In the design
Confirm overhead and underground clearance before planting; keep large trees north or west of food beds to reduce shade.
