Showy Mountain Ash vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Showy Mountain Ash vs Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Sorbus decora

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Black Gum
Showy Mountain Ash

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.

Showy Mountain Ash is a hardy accent tree. It features pretty clusters of white flowers in spring followed by bright scarlet berries lasting into winter.

Great for small landscapes, Showy Mountain Ash is adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and it is suitable for average home landscape conditions.

Black Gum Quick Facts

Showy Mountain Ash Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low


Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Fall colour: reddish-orange
Flowers: white, showy clusters
Berries: dark blue
Berries: redberries in bunches
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON
Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo
Other Names: dogberry