{"product_id":"black-gum-tree","title":"Black Gum Tree","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Gum\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eNyssa sylvatica\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as Black Tupelo, Sour Gum, Pepperidge, is a native tree that brings beauty and ecological value to your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Gum is a stately, pyramidal native shade tree celebrated for some of the most brilliant fall color in the eastern forest - glossy dark-green summer leaves that ignite into scarlet, orange, and crimson. Growing 40 to 70 feet over time (often 20 to 30 feet in the landscape), it thrives in full sun and moist, acidic soils yet tolerates wet ground, occasional drought, and poor drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"padding-left: 20px; list-style-position: outside;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpectacular Fall Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Among the first trees to turn, with intense scarlet-to-crimson foliage each autumn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0,0\"\u003eWildlife Powerhouse:\u003c\/b\u003e Bluish-black drupes feed migrating birds and mammals, while spring flowers are a prized nectar source for honeybees. It is also the host plant for the \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"182\" data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0,0\"\u003eHebrew moth (\u003ci data-index-in-node=\"195\" data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0,0\"\u003ePolygrammate hebraeicum\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/b\u003e, a striking native specialist that relies on \u003ci data-index-in-node=\"265\" data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0,0\"\u003eNyssa\u003c\/i\u003e species to survive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0,0\"\u003eAdaptable \u0026amp; Tough:\u003c\/b\u003e This exceptionally strong hardwood features an interlocked grain, making it highly resistant to storm and wind damage. It thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates wet soils, standing water, and some drought once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural cavities in mature trunks shelter birds, bats, and other wildlife.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0,0\"\u003eHandsome Form:\u003c\/b\u003e Develops a straight trunk and pyramidal-to-rounded crown. \u003cspan class=\"citation-15 citation-end-15\"\u003eAs it ages, the bark develops deeply ridged, blocky patterns reminiscent of alligator skin, providing winter interest for generations.\u003csup data-turn-source-index=\"3\" class=\"superscript\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"citation-14\"\u003e(Fun fact: Black Gums are incredibly long-lived, often thriving for over 250 years!)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-14 citation-end-14\"\u003e\u003csup data-turn-source-index=\"4\" class=\"superscript\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-14\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistant: \u003c\/strong\u003eHighly resilient to deer browsing once established.\u003cspan class=\"citation-11 citation-end-11\"\u003e\u003csup data-turn-source-index=\"7\" class=\"superscript\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEco-Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grown non-GMO and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/content.gardenforwildlife.com\/learn\/neonicotinoids-kill-butterflies-thats-why-we-dont-use-them\"\u003eneonicotinoid-free\u003c\/a\u003e to ensure a healthy ecosystem for your local wildlife.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tree ships in a one gallon container with a robust, established root system, promoting quick establishment and growth after planting. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Choose Black Gum?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Gum pairs lasting garden beauty with real ecological benefit and structural resilience. As a remarkably strong hardwood known for its ability to withstand storms and high winds, it’s a dependable choice for the home landscape. Flowers are a major bee nectar source, trunk cavities shelter wildlife, and the tree supports local biodiversity season after season. Plus, unlike other shade trees, Black Gum is relatively mess-free; its small, high-lipid fruits are quickly eaten by hungry birds before they ever hit your lawn or patio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col style=\"padding-left: 20px; list-style-position: outside;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocation: \u003c\/strong\u003ePlant in full sun to part shade with moist, acidic soils preferred; adaptable - tolerates wet\/poorly drained ground, standing water, and some drought.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, it tolerates occasional dry spells.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimal care required. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and establish a strong structure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtection:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you have a high local deer population, use a tree guard or cage for the first season or two. Once established, the mature tree is highly resilient and naturally deer-resistant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more information on planting, view our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/content.gardenforwildlife.com\/learn\/how-to-plant-your-native-plants\"\u003eHow to Plant Your Native Plants\u003c\/a\u003e guide and other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/content.gardenforwildlife.com\/learn\/tag\/planting-tips\"\u003eplanting tips\u003c\/a\u003e in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/content.gardenforwildlife.com\/learn\"\u003eGarden for Wildlife Learning Center\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd the beauty and ecological benefits of Black Gum to your garden—a resilient native tree that rewards you with stunning autumn color while supporting local pollinators and wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Garden for Wildlife","offers":[{"title":"1-Pack","offer_id":54342602031470,"sku":"GFW-ECOM-COL-BLKGUM-1GAL-1","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2-Pack","offer_id":54342602064238,"sku":"GFW-ECOM-COL-BLKGUM-1GAL-2","price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"4-Pack","offer_id":54342602097006,"sku":"GFW-ECOM-COL-BLKGUM-1GAL-4","price":205.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0521\/4047\/4568\/files\/BlackGum_Nyssasylvatica_2.png?v=1784305304","url":"https:\/\/gardenforwildlife.com\/products\/black-gum-tree","provider":"Garden for Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}