Brandon Elm vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Brandon Elm vs Black Gum

Ulmus americana Brandon

Nyssa sylvatica

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Brandon Elm
Black Gum

Brandon Elm is a hardy and adaptable tree. Its dark green foliage turns brilliant gold in the fall.

This cultivar of the American Elm is long-lived and fast growing. Due to its smaller and more compact form than its cousin, the American Elm, Brandon Elm it is often preferred for home landscapes where it can command the extra money required to propagate it.

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.

Brandon Elm Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 12 m (39 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 8 m (26 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Fall colour: golden yellow
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Berries: dark blue
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Seeds: samara
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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