Siberian Crab Apple vs Black Gum
Malus baccata
Nyssa sylvatica
Siberian Crab Apple is a beautiful, cold hardy, ornamental tree. Its stunning white blossoms burst in the spring to produce deep red fruit.
If you are looking for a great landscape or shade tree, Siberian Crab Apple is a beautiful addition to any yard.
As a rootstock, it is one of the hardiest available. Just be aware that Siberian Crab Apple may be incompatible with varieties that don't have crab apple parentage.
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.