Serbian Spruce vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Serbian Spruce vs Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Picea omorika

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Black Gum
Serbian Spruce

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.

Serbian Spruce is a medium-sized evergreen. Even in the absence of competition, Serbian Spruce has a slender form.

It is commonly used as an ornamental tree due to its columnar shape. Serbian Spruce can grow on a variety of sites, but it prefers moist drained soils.

Black Gum Quick Facts

Serbian Spruce Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none


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


In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: ON
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo