Mock Orange vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Mock Orange vs Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Philadelphus coronarius

Black Gum
Mock Orange

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.

Mock Orange is an ornamental shrub known for its fragrant, white flowers. The scent is often described as orange-like with a hint of jasmine. Attractive to pollinators, hummingbirds, and humans alike.

Mock Orange is highly versatile, and can be used as an ornamental shrub, either alone or as a hedge. It is well suited for streambank stabilization and riparian zone restoration, due to its ability to grow in low, moist areas as well as those that are high and dry. Lewis Mock Orange also has the capability of being used in soil bioengineering projects such as live staking.

Black Gum Quick Facts

Mock Orange Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $6.99 - SAVE UP TO 36%
Lowest Price: $4.49 - SAVE UP TO 44%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 3 m (11 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 3 m (11 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Berries: dark blue
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Flowers: large, white
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high




Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo
Other Names: english dogwood