Ironwood Tree vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Ironwood Tree vs Black Gum

Ostrya virginiana

Nyssa sylvatica

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Ironwood Tree
Black Gum

Ironwood Tree is one of the strongest and most resilient trees you will find in North America. In fact, it has the hardest and most dense wood of any North American tree. Prized for its oval shaped canopy and showy winter trunk, this striking shade tree will make a beautiful addition to any yard. Make sure you do not plant near roads as it is highly salt sensitive.

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.

Ironwood Tree Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


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, QC, NS, NB, PE
Native to: ON
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo