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Gum Drop Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica 'JFS-PN Legacy1'

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Gum Drop Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica 'JFS-PN Legacy1') at Dammann's Garden Company

Gum Drop Black Gum in fall

Gum Drop Black Gum in fall

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Gum Drop Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica 'JFS-PN Legacy1') at Dammann's Garden Company

Gum Drop Black Gum in fall

Gum Drop Black Gum in fall

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  30 feet

Spread:  20 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  4b

Other Names:  Tupelo, Black Tupelo, Sour Gum, Pepperidge

Description:

A glorious native variety producing bold red new foliage that matures to dark green, then a fiery scarlet in fall; a neat, upright oval habit of growth; needs moist, organic, acidic soils, intolerant of urban pollution

Ornamental Features

Gum Drop Black Gum is primarily valued in the landscape for its decidedly oval form. It has forest green deciduous foliage which emerges red in spring. The glossy pointy leaves turn an outstanding scarlet in the fall. The furrowed black bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Gum Drop Black Gum is a deciduous tree with a strong central leader and a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Gum Drop Black Gum is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Shade
  • Vertical Accent

Planting & Growing

Gum Drop Black Gum will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Accent  Shade  Articulation 
Applications
Fall Color  Plant Form  Bark  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features

This tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for current availability. It does not include our entire selection of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list.