Common Snowberry vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Symphoricarpos albus

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Black Gum
Common Snowberry

Black Gum is a slow-growing ornamental shade tree with a dense pyramidal shape. The foliage is dark green in the summer, and transitions to bright fall colours which include red, orange, purple, and gold. It is commonly used as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens as a specimen or shade tree.

The small greenish white flowers provide nectar for bees and black tupelo honey is a sought after flavour. The small dark blue fruits which ripen in late summer will attract birds and other animals to your yard. The fruits are edible, but very sour, and are primarily used for pies, flavouring, and drinks. Plant the Black Gum where it will live long-term, as it has a large taproot and does not transplant well.

Common Snowberry is a small deciduous shrub with characteristic white to pink flowers and clusters of white fruit.

This North American native species is very adaptable, and can be used for erosion control in riparian and restoration areas. Snowberry's fruit attracts wildlife, and livestock can consume the berries without issue.

Black Gum Quick Facts

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Berries: dark blue
Berries: white waxy berries
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none




Toxicity: berries toxic to humans
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo
Other Names: common snowberry