Big Tooth Maple vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Big Tooth Maple vs Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Acer grandidentatum

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Black Gum
Big Tooth Maple

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 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 Quick Facts

Big Tooth Maple Quick Facts

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




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