Nannyberry vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Nannyberry vs Black Gum

Viburnum lentago

Nyssa sylvatica

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Nannyberry
Black Gum

Nannyberry is a hardy shrub known for attracting wildlife. Its clusters of white flowers and tasty berries are suitable for bees, birds, and other animals.

Nannyberry is also used in urban yards and landscaping. This shrub makes a beautiful ornamental and is small enough to grow underneath power lines. Its berries can be eaten fresh or used in baking and preserves.

Makes a great hedge or privacy screen in an urban yard. Often has great red fall color to complement its spring flowers.

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.

Nannyberry Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Bark: gray and scaly
Flowers: white
Berries: red to purple
Berries: dark blue
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: sheepberry, sweet viburnum
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo