Dappled Willow vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Dappled Willow vs Black Gum

Salix integra Hakuro-Nishiki

Nyssa sylvatica

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Dappled Willow
Black Gum

Dappled Willow is a small, cold hardy shrub with unusual beauty. Its leaves are pink in spring, maturing into variegated shades of pink, white and green. After losing their leaves in autumn, the stems maintain a rich red color throughout the winter. For a splash of color, try Dappled Willow on its own or as a hedge.

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.

Dappled Willow Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Zone: 3b
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: green with dappled white or pink
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Berries: dark blue
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo