Thunderchild Flowering Crab vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Thunderchild Flowering Crab vs Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Malus x adstringens Thunderchild

Black Gum
Thunderchild Flowering Crab

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.

Thunderchild Flowering Crab is a hybrid crab apple known for its attractive and fragrant dark pink blossoms and deep purple mature leaves.

Tree farmers will find this hybrid appealing as a pollinator for other apples, while home growers will enjoy the red pome's ability to attract flocks of Cedar Waxwings in the early spring.

This species is reportedly resistant to fireblight.

Black Gum Quick Facts

Thunderchild Flowering Crab Quick Facts

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Lowest Price: $19.99
Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Fall colour: dark red
Berries: dark blue
Berries: small red pomes that hang through the winter
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Flowers: dark pink blossoms
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none




Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo