Black Gum

Black Gum, also known as Black Tupelo or Sourgum, is a native hardwood tree with a striking pyramidal shape and brilliant fall color. It is a resilient species that thrives in various conditions and provides excellent wildlife value. Though its crown shape can be variable, it becomes more uniform as the tree matures, making it a great choice for urban and suburban landscapes.


 

Sizes Available

Wholesale Only

1 Gallon

$4.00

3 Gallon

$8.00

7 Gallon

$22.00

15 Gallon

$50.00

Black Gum is a fantastic choice for those looking to add a durable, low-maintenance tree with exceptional fall color and wildlife benefits to their landscape.

 

Scientific Name: Nyssa sylvatica

Common Name: Black Gum, Black Tupelo, Sourgum

Hardiness Zones: 4B through 9B

Height: 65 to 75 feet

Spread: 25 to 35 feet

Growth Rate: Slow

Foliage:

    -Spring & Summer: Dark green and shiny on top, paler green underneath, sometimes developing purplish spots

    -Fall: Spectacular shades of orange, red, and deep purple

Bark: Dark gray to brown-black, irregularly and shallowly furrowed, becoming blocky with age

Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Preferences: Adaptable to clay, sand, or loam, thrives in acidic, wet, and well-drained soils, high drought tolerance

Wildlife Value: Attracts birds and small mammals with its small blue-black fruits, provides excellent habitat and food source for various species

Why Choose Black Gum?

Brilliant Fall Color:

One of the most vibrant native trees, adding seasonal interest to any landscape.

Resilient & Adaptable:

Thrives in urban environments, compacted soils, and even wet conditions.

Wildlife Friendly:

Supports birds and pollinators with its fruit and flowers.

Durable & Low Maintenance:

Highly resistant to breakage, with minimal pruning requirements.

 

 

Environmental Benefits of Planting Black Gum

This data is based on US Averages of healthy and mature trees over a 20-year period.

Check out the USDA’s MyTree Tool to input your custom location data.

A single black gum can offset the CO₂ emissions produced by driving an average gas-powered car for 13,247 miles.

A single black gum can absorb enough stormwater to fill 1,188 bathtubs, reducing erosion, runoff, and supporting transpiration.

A single black gum removes as much air pollution as the weight of 140 smartphones.

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We were proud to be one of the growers for this 20,000-acre reforestation project in Louisiana, where over 4 million Bald Cypress were planted to restore wetlands, capture carbon, and enhance coastal resilience.

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Sixteen years ago, we partnered with forestry researchers and a science teacher on an ambitious mission: cloning one of the world's oldest trees, The Senator, a 3,500-year-old bald cypress. When this ancient giant was tragically lost to fire in 2012, our work became more vital than ever. Today, its legacy lives on through The Phoenix—an identical clone now flourishing in Big Tree Park.

Central Florida Lands and Timber Nursery, LLC. is a wholesale nursery specializing in a wide array of trees and shrubs. With an inventory of over 2 million trees and shrubs, CFLTN, LCC can meet the needs of customers, whether it be reforestation, mitigation, or landscaping.

Phone

(386) 294-1211

Address

3087 North County Road 53 Mayo, Florida 32066