Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) vs Black Gum

Catalpa speciosa

Nyssa sylvatica

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)
Black Gum

Northern Catalpa is a striking feature tree with showy flowers, and very large leaves. Its orchid-like flowers are white with yellow and purple accents, and they have a pleasant fragrance. They bloom from late spring to early summer and can last up to two weeks, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. The leaves are very large, ranging from 15-30 cm long, 12-20 cm wide, forming a canopy that makes it a good shade tree.

They can tolerate dry conditions as well as standing water, air pollution, and salt. These factors and its beauty contribute to its growing popularity as both a boulevard and ornamental tree in colder areas.

Northern Catalpa produces long bean-like capsules and are sometimes called the Cigar Tree in reference to this fruit.

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.

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Flowers: white
Berries: dark blue
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
Other Names: cigar tree, hardy catalpa, western catalpa
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo