Scots Pine (Scotch Pine) vs Black Gum - TreeTime.ca

Scots Pine (Scotch Pine) vs Black Gum

Pinus sylvestris

Nyssa sylvatica

Scots Pine (Scotch Pine)
Black Gum

Scots Pine is a hardy, adaptable evergreen. This large tree has an oval crown and distinctively orange bark when mature. Scots Pine prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil.

It is the most common pine tree used in shelterbelts and windbreaks. Scots Pine is also occasionally used as a Christmas tree variety.

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.

Scots Pine (Scotch Pine) Quick Facts

Black Gum Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $4.29 - SAVE UP TO 28%
Lowest Price: $12.49 - SAVE UP TO 26%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: purple, orange, yellow, red
Berries: dark blue
Flavor: sour
Harvest: september to october
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium

In row spacing: 3 - 4 m (10 - 12 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: scotch pine, scotts pine
Other Names: black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum, tupelo