Black Gum Tree

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1 YEAR GUARANTEE

all our plants and trees are now covered by our 1 year guarantee. Learn more

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES
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1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 7 or 10 or 15 gallon

*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons

**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.


Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

Black Gum Tree is a native deciduous shade tree known for its glossy green leaves and brilliant fall color display. In autumn, the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple, making it one of the most attractive fall foliage trees available. Its adaptability, strong structure, and wildlife benefits make it a valuable addition to residential landscapes and naturalized plantings.

  • Botanical name: Nyssa sylvatica
  • Other common names: Black Tupelo Tree
  • Deciduous
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Full sun to partial shade.

WATER:
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, water when soil begins to dry, typically every 7–10 days depending on your local climate and weather.

LEVEL OF CARE: EASY
Black Gum Trees are hardy and low maintenance once established.

Note: Black Gum Trees are known for their exceptional fall color, with leaves turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple before dropping for winter dormancy.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Black Gum Tree, botanically known as Nyssa sylvatica, is a native shade tree admired for its glossy green foliage, strong branching structure, and spectacular fall color. This deciduous tree produces vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn, making it one of the most striking fall foliage trees in the landscape. Its adaptability, wildlife benefits, and beautiful seasonal display make it a popular choice for residential yards and naturalized landscapes.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate; typically reaches 30–50 feet tall and 20–30 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, water when the soil begins to dry, typically every 7–10 days depending on your local climate and weather. Black Gum Trees grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. More sunlight generally encourages stronger growth and better fall color.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Minimal pruning is required. Prune only to remove damaged or crossing branches.

FERTILIZING:
Fertilization is rarely necessary, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring if soil nutrients are low. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Black Gum Trees are very cold hardy and typically require no winter protection once established.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and about the same depth. Place the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to help settle the roots. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 4-9

Black Gum Trees grow well across a wide range of climates throughout the eastern and central United States. They thrive in USDA Zones 4–9 and adapt to many soil types, including moist, acidic soils. This tree performs best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it is well suited for residential landscapes, parks, and naturalized areas. Its adaptability and seasonal beauty make it a reliable long-term landscape tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Black Gum Trees typically grow 30–50 feet tall and 20–30 feet wide at maturity.

Black Gum Trees have a moderate growth rate and typically grow about 1–2 feet per year under ideal conditions.

Plant Black Gum Trees in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil with plenty of space to grow.

Black Gum Trees are famous for their brilliant fall color, with leaves turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple.

Yes, mature Black Gum Trees can produce small dark blue fruits that attract birds and wildlife.

In spring and summer, the Black Gum Tree develops glossy, dark green leaves and a dense, pyramidal canopy. The foliage creates attractive shade and a clean, uniform appearance before transforming into vibrant fall color later in the year.

Black Gum Trees generally do not have aggressively invasive roots. However, like most large shade trees, they should still be planted a safe distance from structures and underground utilities.

Yes, Black Gum Trees can tolerate moist soil conditions and are often found growing in areas with periodically wet soils.

Black Gum Trees should typically be planted 20–30 feet apart to allow adequate space for their mature canopy to develop.

Yes, the Black Gum Tree is commonly known as Black Tupelo. Both names refer to Nyssa sylvatica, a native North American tree known for its brilliant fall color and wildlife benefits.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.