Basswood (American Linden) vs Black Gum

Basswood, also known as American Linden, provides shade and fragrant flowers with characteristically attractive leaves and branching.

It typically has a large uniformly round crown with a straight branch free trunk.

Basswood is typically found along streams and lakes or at the bottom of slopes where the ground is moist.

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.

Compare Basswood (American Linden) with

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