How to Grow and Care for Black gum

Black gum, also known as Black tupelo, Sour gum, Tupelo, Tupelo gum, Pepperidge

Black gum is a hardy deciduous tree valued for its adaptability to various soil types and conditions. Two key care points for maintaining black gum include ensuring adequate water during establishment and providing space for its deep rooting system. Unlike many plants of similar stature, black gum does not require frequent pruning, making it an easy species to care for.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

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Planting and Growing Black gum

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	5-6.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	3-10

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More General Info About Black gum

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Quickly Identify Black gum

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Black gum exhibits a deeply furrowed, textural bark and branches that extend at approximately 90-degree angles from the main stem. Its leaves are elliptic to obovate with a lustrous, dark green upper surface and a lighter green on the undersides. In autumn, the foliage transforms, showcasing a vivid display of yellow, orange, purple, and red hues. The leaf margins are entire, but some might have irregular, coarse teeth toward the tips. From September to October, it bears bluish-black drupes. A key identification feature is the plant's chambered pith and the distinct arrangement of vascular bundles found within the leaf scars.