Discovery Japanese Elm vs Black Gum

Discovery Japanese Elm is great for anyone who doesn't have a lot of time to maintain their trees as it doesn't drop many seeds. It has beautiful dark green foliage and is resistant to Dutch Elm Disease. This elm is similar in shape to the American Elm but is roughly 30% smaller. Instead of having an irregular and broad-shaped crown as other Japanese Elms do, the Discovery Japenses Elm has symmetrical branching, an upright growth form, and develops a classic vase-like crown.

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.

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