Russian Almond vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Russian Almond vs Black Gum

Prunus tenella

Nyssa sylvatica

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Russian Almond
Black Gum

Russian Almond is a low maintenance, short, slightly suckering shrub. It is covered with attractive, bright pink flowers in early spring before its foliage emerges.

This hardy species forms dense thickets attracts wildlife. Russian Almond prefers full sun and well-drained soils, but can tolerate moist soils.

The nuts it produces are quite attractive but very small. They are bitter and possibly toxic in large quantities.

Check out our YouTube channel video of the Russian Almond here.

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.

Russian Almond Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Flowers: bright pink
Berries: dark blue
Nuts: small fuzzy nuts
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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