Horse Chestnut vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Horse Chestnut vs Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Aesculus hippocastanum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Black Gum
Horse Chestnut

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.

Horse Chestnut is a medium sized deciduous tree that is native to Greece but has been grown in North America for hundreds of years. It produces large nuts.

Black Gum Quick Facts

Horse Chestnut Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 12 m (39 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: most parts of plant are toxic
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Berries: dark blue
Nuts: large spiky nuts
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo