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Engelmann Spruce vs Black Gum

Picea engelmannii

Nyssa sylvatica

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Engelmann Spruce
Black Gum

Engelmann Spruce is a tall, cold resistant tree native to western North America. This high-altitude mountain tree has characteristic loose, scaly bark ranging in colour from reddish-brown to grey.

Birds such as grouse, woodpeckers, nuthatches and thrushes will call this tree home. As Engelmann Spruce can exceed heights of 100 feet, consumers should note it is too large for a normal city lot.

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.

ENGELMANN SPRUCE QUICK FACTS

BLACK GUM QUICK FACTS

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Berries: dark blue
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium





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