Black Gum vs Beauty of Moscow Lilac - TreeTime.ca

Black Gum vs Beauty of Moscow Lilac

Nyssa sylvatica

Syringa vulgaris Beauty of Moscow (Syringa vulgaris Krasavitsa Moskvy)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Black Gum
Beauty of Moscow Lilac

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.

Beauty of Moscow Lilac is a flowering shrub known for its highly fragrant, double flowers. The buds start as a pale pink and give way white blooms that have double the number of petals compared to other Lilacs. While the flowers are mostly white they can often take on a subtle pink blush.

The striking blooms, abundant flowers, and long bloom time make the Beauty of Moscow Lilac one of the top Lilac cultivars. The flowers are known for attracting hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators to your landscape.

Black Gum Quick Facts

Beauty of Moscow Lilac Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Flowers: white to pale pink
Berries: dark blue
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