Plant Features: Black Gum

Blackgum – Nyssa sylvatica: A medium-sized tree whose branches stand at right angles to the trunk.

Leaf: Alternate, simple, pinnately veined, obovate in shape with an entire margin, 3 to 5 inches long. Rarely toothed.

Flower: Not showy, green-white in color, appearing with the leaves, hanging in clusters.

Fruit: A dark, purplish-blue drupe, 1/2 inch long, with a fleshy coating surrounding a ribbed pit. Fruit is favored by Wood Ducks and many other birds but these trees just don’t put out very much fruit. But considering where they grow you take what you can get.