This selection provides an early season show of color with bronze-red to red-purple new growth that persists into summer making a beautiful contrast with more mature dark green leaves. The fall color is orange-red to purplish-red.

Nectar from the flowers is sought after by bees and tupelo honey is highly prized. Some trees have mostly male flowers while others have mostly female flowers, while most plants have a few male and female flowers. This is why some plants are loaded with egg-shaped blue-black berries, while others may only have a few berries. 

Black gum provides nesting sites for birds, pollen and nectar for pollinators, and food for birds and mammals.

• Outstanding native shade tree
• Showy red new growth in spring
• Vibrant, red fall color

• Category: Tree, Wetland, Native
• Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Height: 30-50 ft
• Spread: 20-30 ft