Mustang Cherry Plum vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Mustang Cherry Plum vs Black Gum

Prunus x Jefchum

Nyssa sylvatica

Mustang Cherry Plum
Black Gum

Mustang Cherry Plum is a cherry-plum hybrid. They are known for their fragrant white flowers in spring and sweet fruit in late August. Mustang Cherry Plums are about one inch in diameter and they have a strong cherry taste. This plant is small enough to fit in moderately sized yards.

Because of Mustang Cherry Plum's genetics and cold hardiness, it is popular for grafting and as a rootstock.

For fruit production, it needs to be planted with another variety for cross-pollination. Canada Plum and American Plum are considered universal pollinizers.

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.

Mustang Cherry Plum Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $9.99 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Lowest Price: $4.99 - SAVE UP TO 55%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Berries: dark blue
Fruit size: 1 inch in diameter
Flavor: sweet with red strong cherry taste
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium




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