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Mayday Cherry vs Black Gum
Prunus padus
Nyssa sylvatica
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
Mayday Cherry is a small deciduous tree known for its early blooming and fragrant white flowers.
A favourite specimen tree on prairie homesteads, Mayday Cherry produces small black berries that are inedible to people but highly desirable to birds.
Note: This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Mayday Cherry seeds at SeedTime.ca.
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.
Mayday Cherry Quick Facts
Black Gum Quick Facts
Toxicity: seeds and leaves are toxic if ingested