Black Locust vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Black Locust vs Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Robinia pseudoacacia

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Black Gum
Black Locust

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.

Black Locust is an attractive tree. Its distinctive leaves are made of about a dozen bright green leaflets. It also notable for its fragrant white flowers, which smell of citrus.

Black Locust can grow in many situations, but prefers dry areas with lots of sun. It is robust and is an excellent choice for establishing shade in dry, open areas.

Important note: Much of the Black Locust is toxic to humans and livestock, including seeds, bark, and leaves.

Black Gum Quick Facts

Black Locust Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high


Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Berries: dark blue
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Seeds: dark brown peapod-like pods
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo
Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust