Wayfaring Tree vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Wayfaring Tree vs Black Gum

Viburnum lantana

Nyssa sylvatica

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

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Black Gum

Wayfaring Tree is an adaptable and reliable shrub. It is prized for its ornamental berries that can range in color from red to yellow to black. Consider getting two trees as fruiting is maximized when another Wayfaring Tree is present.

This species has a variety of uses ranging from naturalization, mass planting, borders, and privacy screens.

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.

Wayfaring Tree Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 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: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Berries: dark blue
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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