Washington Hawthorn vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Washington Hawthorn vs Black Gum

Crataegus phaenopyrum

Nyssa sylvatica

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Washington Hawthorn
Black Gum

Washington Hawthorn is an attractive ornamental shrub that is dense enough to plant as a privacy screen. It produces clusters of white blooms in late spring to early summer.

Washington Hawthorn's red berries last throughout winter, bringing squirrels and birds to your property. In the fall, its foliage turns beautiful orange, scarlet, or purple.

One of the most overlooked trees on the prairies. This tree is often used as rootstock, a wildlife attractor, or a boulevard hedge. Give this one a second look.

This species is also known as one of the more salt-tolerant species for those with saline soils.

Please note: this plant is poisonous to dogs.

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.

Washington Hawthorn Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Fall colour: orange, scarlet or purple
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Flowers: white flowers in spring
Berries: small, red
Berries: dark blue
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: washington thorn
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo