Gum bully (Sideroxylon lanuginosum)

Gum bully

Also known as: Gum elastic, Ironwood

You can eat the fruit of gum bully (Sideroxylon lanuginosum), which consists of a small oval black berry with a single seed. However, if you eat large amounts of it, you can end up suffering from dizziness or stomach aches. The Comanche and Kiowa Native American peoples used it as a food source. The sap of the tree can be chewed as gum.

Scientific classification

Species

Gum bully (Sideroxylon lanuginosum)

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4.5 m to 14 m

Plant Height

8 m to 11 m

Spread

Green, Yellow, Gold

Leaf Color

4 mm

Flower Size

Black

Fruit Color

White, Yellow

Flower Color

Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Images of Gum bully

Distribution of Gum bully

Distribution Map

Gum bully's native to parts of North America. Naturally, it grows in rocky woodland areas and openings in forests.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Wild areas, along property lines, native plant gardens

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Gum bully is a species of small tree that is generally grown in gardens for its interesting foliage, pollinator-attracting flowers, and bird-attracting fruit. It is often used alone as an ornamental specimen tree, in bee or butterfly gardens, or as part of a shrubbery.

Name Story

Gum bully: Bumelia is in the same family of Sapotaceae as the tropical sapodilla tree (Manilkara zapota) which is the source of the chicle used in chewing gum. It was formerly known as Bumelia lanuginosa. The botanical name of the plant has been changed to Sideroxylon lanuginosum but the common name is still continued for its characteristics. Therefore, it is called a gum bully.

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Quickly Identify Gum bully

Tiny white flowers in axils, 0.2 inches (5 mm) diameter, delicate petals.

Globular black fruit, 1/2 inch (1.27 cm), smooth texture, solitary seed.

Short, hairy branches with sharp thorns, milky sap when cut, dark green-brown.

Obovate hairy leaves, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long, yellow in fall.

Robust trunk with textured bark, ridges and furrows, brown-gray hues, thickens with age.

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Care Guide for Gum bully

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Gum bully prefers environments similar to its natural habitat, needing minimal watering. It can tolerate drought and should be watered once every three weeks, allowing soil to dry out. An outdoor species, gum bully thrives on natural rainfall and is ideal for xeriscaping.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, gum bully requires a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 mix, applied in early spring, with increased nitrogen during the growing season. Fertilize every 6-8 weeks and adjust frequency in fall and winter. Water soil before and after application; safety precautions are advised.

Pruning: Gum bully thrives with regular pruning in early spring, removing dead branches and thinning crowded areas for better air circulation and light penetration. This enhances growth and resilience. Always use clean, sharp tools to prevent infections.

Propagation: Gum bully propagates effectively through cuttings and layering in autumn and winter. While moderately challenging, success can be gauged by new growth and root development. Maintaining consistent moisture is crucial for optimal propagation results.

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