One of my favorite native trees of the Eastern United States is the "Black Gum" or Nyssa sylvatica.  The tree is also known as "Sour Gum" or the "Tupelo".  This tree should not be confused with the "Sweet Gum" (Liquidambar styraciflua), renowned for its spiny gum balls which are slightly smaller than a golf ball.  The Black Gum sports glossy, ovate leaves which distinguish the tree from others in the forest.  The leaves look as though they have had an intense treatment of Turtle Wax.  This is a characteristic which I particularly enjoy.

    The leaves of this plant are among the last to emerge in the spring, leading one to wonder if they had lost the tree during the course of the winter.  In the fall the leaves turn early, yielding a brilliant blaze red foliage.  In accounting, we would call this "LIFO" or "Last In, First Out".  The small white flowers are insignificant with regard to ornamental value.  During the course of the summer the tree develops loose clusters of small fruits which are deep purple.  These fruits ripen by October and can be an issue if growing above walkways or decks.

    The tree itself is generally more upright than broad with a good branching structure.  The plant may grow to 85 feet in height, though its growth rate is about a foot per year.  Native to the woodlands, the tree tolerates full sun to partial shade.  Black gum is tolerant of areas with high moisture levels with good drainage, but will also grow in dry areas provided some moisture is supplied to the juvenile tree.

    The name "Black Gum" is derived form the near black bark of the mature tree.  Pests tend not to be a problem.  Black Gum is a good street tree though it will not be thrilled by heavy amounts of pollution.  This tree does not transplant easily.  For this reason the plants are not often found in nurseries, and are higher in price than other trees, due to the fact that it is also more difficult to propagate.  When thinking of shade trees, I feel Black Gum is well worth your consideration.