Tulip Poplar vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Tulip Poplar vs Black Gum

Liriodendron tulipifera

Nyssa sylvatica

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Tulip Poplar
Black Gum

Tulip Poplar is the perfect shade tree for wide open spaces. It has a shallow and extensive root system, so ensure you give it space to grow. The attractive and showy, yellow-orange, tulip shaped flowers are where this tree gets its name.

Tulip Poplar is somewhat rare in Canada but highly sought after as it is difficult to grow. Does best in a moist, well-drained soil.

Note: This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Tulip Poplar seeds at SeedTime.ca.

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.

Tulip Poplar Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $12.49 - SAVE UP TO 26%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
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
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium




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