These trees are known for their autumnal foliage.
The leaves vary in shape and stretch from around three to six inches long.
One of the most attractive features of the tree is its fall color.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Thats because these trees have a long tap root that reaches deep into the ground.
The best time to plant them is in spring or fall.
Water in the tree thoroughly.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Light
This tree can grow in full to partial sunlight.
That means it should get at least four hours of direct sunlight on most days.
Soil
The black gum tree is tolerant of various soil types.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It prefers loamy soil with anacidic pHand good drainage.
It can handle a spot with poor drainage and even some standing water.
The tree is moderately tolerant of clay soil, as well as gravelly or sandy soil.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Otherwise, high humidity and cramped branches can lead to fungal growth.
Fertilizer
Feed this tree annually in the fall using a slow-releasegranular fertilizer.
Propagating Black Gum Tree
Propagating black gum tree from cuttings is difficult.
In addition, the propagation of trademarked cultivars is prohibited.
Therefore, if you want to plant a black gum tree, you should source it from a nursery.
However, newer cultivars and varieties are available to plant that are more resistant to leaf spot.
They are two different species.
No, black gum produces small fleshy fruit, whereas the sweet gum tree produces pointy gum balls.
These trees offer ornamental value and benefit local wildlife.
However, they are slow-growing and tend to drop branches.
Nyssa sylvatica.North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
