Armstrong Maple vs Black Gum

The Armstrong Maple has a narrow, upright columnar growth habit. This stunning tree has showy leaves that range from yellow, orange to red in the fall. It is an attractive hybrid of the Red Maple and Silver Maple. It prefers acidic soils and will have some tolerance for drought once mature.

Edward Murray named the Armstrong Maple in 1969 in honor of Oliver M. Freeman of the National Arboretum, who made the first controlled cross between the two species in 1933.

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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