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Sour Gum

Nyssa Sylvatica

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Overview

Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as Sour Gum or Black Gum, is a stately deciduous tree, prized for its straight trunk and glossy, dark green leaves. Growing up to 70 feet tall with a spread of 30-50 feet, it showcases brilliant fall colors, shifting from orange to scarlet and purple. Tolerant of wet conditions, it’s ideal for adding vertical interest and autumnal drama in temperate landscapes. Zones 4-9.

Sun FullWater High, MediumZones 4–10Type TreeClimate Temperate
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — making it an excellent choice for diverse landscape designs; is a stately deciduous tree, image 59

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
High, Medium
USDA zones
4–10

Shape & size

Mature height
30–50 Ft.
Mature width
20–30 Ft.

Classification

Type
Tree
Family
Cornaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (83)

Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — Its bark is another point of interest; it is deeply furrowed, providing a unique texture to the landscape; also commonly referred
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — Tolerant of wet conditions; green and white flowers in the garden
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — is a compelling deciduous tree revered for its adaptability and stunning seasonal colors
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — it showcases brilliant fall colors; it‚Äôs ideal for adding vertical interest and autumnal drama in temperate landscapes
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — eventually maturing into a more rounded form - ideal for providing shade; is a compelling deciduous tree revered for its
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — is a compelling deciduous tree revered for its adaptability and stunning seasonal colors; eventually maturing into a more rounded
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — dark green leaves that transform into a spectacular display of reds; shifting from orange to scarlet and purple
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — acidic soils.<br><br>The tree has a pyramidal shape in its youth
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — the Sour Gum is better known for its fall foliage and blue-black berries that attract a variety of wildlife; tree for full
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — typically reaches a mature height of 30 to 50 feet with a spread of 20 to 30 feet; tree with green and white blooms, image 62
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — prized for its straight trunk and glossy; acidic soils.<br><br>The tree has a pyramidal shape in its youth, image 51
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — also commonly referred to as Black Gum or Tupelo; its bark is another point of interest; it is deeply furrowed, providing a unique
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — inconspicuous flowers in the spring; the Sour Gum thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly adaptable to a variety of
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — prized for its straight trunk and glossy; acidic soils.<br><br>The tree has a pyramidal shape in its youth
Sour Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) — Growing up to 70 feet tall with a spread of 30-50 feet
Nyssa Sylvatica
Nyssa Sylvatica
Nyssa Sylvatica
Nyssa Sylvatica
Nyssa Sylvatica
Nyssa Sylvatica
Nyssa Sylvatica
Nyssa Sylvatica
Nyssa Sylvatica
Photographs by 8 contributors

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