Identification Black Gum Tree Leaves
Another common tree that is called a gum is sweetgum and is actually an entirely different tree species classification called liquidambar.
Identification black gum tree leaves. Light green hardiness zones. Nyssa sylvatica common name. 4 to 9 native area. Leaf spots multiply at the end of the growing season.
Its fall foliage is a showstopper with leaves turning various shades of orange yellow red and a striking purple. Black tupelo or nyssa sylvatica is the most common true gum in north america and grows from canada to texas. By itself this leaf information will not identify this tree. Black gum leaf on any variety of the tree is an elongated oval that flutters in the slightest of breezes from the slender branches.
For landscape design it is a fantastic fall choice. Also if you knew how unusual it is to have serrated leaves that curl under like this tree s do. Other trees with maple like leaves the sycamore sweetgum and yellow poplar have leaves that are alternate in arrangement. The maple is a genus with about 128 different species including the vine maple acer circinatum hornbeam maple acer carpinifolium and paperbark maple acer griseum.
Nyssa sylvatica black tupelo black gum nyssa sylvatica one of the most attractive native trees around. The specific epithet sylvatica means of the woods this species has two common names. Alternate simple pinnately veined obovate in shape with an entire margin 3 to 5 inches long. Loamy or clay soil ph.
While tupelo is derived from the creek indian name for the tree ito opilwa which means swamp tree. The alternately arranged 3 inch long dark green glossy leaves and attractive fall color are perhaps the most distinctive features. Summer leaves are a dark green with a high gloss appearance but the most spectacular part of this tree is the fall foliage with many shades of yellow orange bright red purple or scarlet that may appear on the same branch. Black gum tree plant type.
These leaf spot diseases affect all shade trees including the black gum tree according to the university of illinois extension. Black leaf spot is one of several leaf spot diseases caused by fungus. The magnificent fall color is enhanced by siting trees in locations with more direct sunlight. Black gum referring to the dark leaves.
The symptoms include raised black spots with ragged edges on leaves. Black gum has several features that make it an excellent landscape tree. Aged black gums begin decaying from the top so trees become shorter as they grow older. Black gum blackgum nyssa sylvatica.
However you could if you knew how rare it is that the tree you are looking at although not a conifer has flowers that become inch long cone like fruits containing seeds. A medium sized tree whose branches stand at right angles to the trunk.