Sour Gum is a tree that looks great in all seasons, but is enjoyed the most in the fall, because of the gorgeous red leaves.
Sour Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
What do you call a tree that can't make up it's mind?
- Undeciduous!
Did you know?
- The wood is nearly impossible to split, due to the twisted, interlocked grain.
- The wood is used to make wheel hubs, agricultural tools and equipment, paving blocks, pallets, floors, crates, boxes, wooden utensils and veneers
- The wood is widely used to make furniture, caskets, and railroad ties
- The fruits are edible, but quite sour—hence the name, “sour” gum
Common Names:
- Sour Gum
- Black Gum
- Black Tupelo
Wildlife Benefits:
- White-tailed deer feed on the leaves
- Birds and mammals eat the fruit
- Reptiles, tree frogs, bats, and other wildlife use the hollows that form in the tree for shelter
- Nectar source for bees in the early to late spring
Habitat:
- Woodlands
Size:
- 30-50' tall, with a crown width of 20-30'
Growing Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Moist, well-drained soil
Select Identification Characteristics:
- Leaf Type: Simple
- Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
- Bud Arrangement: Alternate
- Terminal Bud: Single
