Manchurian Walnut vs Black Gum

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.

Manchurian Walnut is a large, broad and often multi-stemmed tree with ornamental qualities. This tree produces large, thick-shelled nuts that ripen in the fall. These edible walnuts are reportedly difficult to crack open. They are useful for attracting wildlife, especially squirrels.

The Manchurian Walnut contains and exudes much lesser quantities of allelopathic compounds, such as juglone (common to walnuts), that may prevent or impair growth of nearby plants. Therefore, it is commonly embraced as a safe walnut to plant.

There are reports of rare this species surviving winters to -45C with specimens growing and thriving in Alaska and Edmonton.

There is no regular supply of this species. It is rare and not produced each year.

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