Schubert Chokecherry vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Schubert Chokecherry vs Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Prunus virginiana Schubert

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Gum
Schubert Chokecherry

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.

Schubert Chokecherry is similar to a western chokecherry but features beautiful purple-red leaves throughout the summer.

This small, flowering tree is perfectly suited as an ornamental for city yards.

The fruit from this tree is a staff favourite for jams, jellies, and wines.

Black Gum Quick Facts

Schubert Chokecherry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: Toxic to animals with segmented stomachs (horses, cattle, deer moose, etc.)
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Fall colour: dark red
Flowers: white
Fruit: edible dark red berries, 10mm diameter, pitted, tart, good
Berries: dark blue
Berries: edible dark red berries, 10mm diameter, pitted, tart, good
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo