Big Tooth Maple vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Big Tooth Maple vs Black Gum

Acer grandidentatum

Nyssa sylvatica

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Big Tooth Maple
Black Gum

Big Tooth Maple is a versatile, cold hardy maple variety that is ideal for small landscapes. It has high ornamental appeal due to its striking red-gold autumn foliage and multi-stemmed form.

Big Tooth Maple is highly deer resistant and drought tolerant as well. Keep in mind the size and form of this tree can vary due to climate, moisture, and growing conditions. In drier spots, you'll notice Big Tooth Maple is more shrub like. In moist, full sun conditions, this tree can grow to be up to 50 ft tall. Plan your site accordingly.

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.

Big Tooth Maple Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $12.49 - SAVE UP TO 26%
Zone: 4b
Zone: 3a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: bright red and gold
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Berries: dark blue
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium




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