Golden Willow vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Golden Willow vs Black Gum

Salix alba vitellina

Nyssa sylvatica

Golden Willow
Black Gum

Golden Willow is an attractive accent tree that's perfectly suited for those moist or wet areas on your property.

This fast growing tree has glossy narrow leaves that turn gold in fall, furrowed brown bark and showy gold branches that especially stand out in the winter.

Golden Willow is commonly used for windbreaks, shelterbelts, and ornamental planting. In addition to looking great, Golden Willow attracts a variety of birds and mammals with its twigs and buds.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Note: do not plant near buildings or buried services.

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.

Golden Willow Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.49 - SAVE UP TO 57%
Lowest Price: $12.49 - SAVE UP TO 26%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Fall colour: golden yellow
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Berries: dark blue
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Bark: bright yellow
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium

In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: basket willow, blue willow, cricket bat willow, duck willow, velvet osier, white osier, white willow
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo