Tulip Tree vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Tulip Tree vs Black Gum

Liriodendron tulipifera

Nyssa sylvatica

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Tulip Tree
Black Gum

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

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 Tree Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $7.49 - SAVE UP TO 25%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, oval to pyramidal
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Foliage: 4-lobed somewhat spade-shaped
Fall colour: golden yellow
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Flowers: greenish yellow, tulip-shaped
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Berries: dark blue
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
Native to: ON
Other Names: canoewood, tulip poplar, tulip-poplar, tuliptree, yellow poplar
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo