Identification Black Gum Tree Leaves
Alternate simple pinnately veined obovate in shape with an entire margin 3 to 5 inches long.
Identification black gum tree leaves. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide. Black gum 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. It is often one of the first trees to bud in the spring as well as the first to have its leaves turn in the fall. Another common tree that is called a gum is sweetgum and is actually an entirely different tree species classification called liquidambar.
While it s mostly cosmetic it can make the tree more attractive to other pests and diseases. The leaves flutter easily in the slightest of breezes and form a rounded canopy. Tupelo lesion happens when the fusarium solani fungus attacks resulting in the bark swelling up and becoming rough. Aged black gums begin decaying from the top so trees become shorter as they grow older.
The fruit and leaves of sweetgum look nothing like these true gums. While tupelo is derived from the creek indian name for the tree ito opilwa which means swamp tree. Black gum referring to the dark leaves. Prefers well drained acid soils and full sun to partial shade.
Fruit is bluish black and is loved by many birds. Not showy green white in color appearing with the leaves hanging in clusters. A dark purplish blue drupe 1 2. Makes a strong specimen tree.
The specific epithet sylvatica means of the woods this species has two common names. This tree is also sometimes called black tupelo. Blackgum is generally found with other hardwood species such as black cherry dogwood eastern hophornbeam and yaupon. Raised leaf spots appear on the leaves and begin to discolor and drop off.
The leaves of the black gum tree are an elongated oval shape that offer a brilliant fall show. Grows 30 50 high with a 20 30 spread. A medium sized tree whose branches stand at right angles to the trunk. Blackgum nyssa sylvatica.