Blackgum
Nyssa sylvatica 
Central Missouri is on the northwestern limits of blackgum's native range. It is found growing in deep soils along streams and moist soils on north and east wooded slopes. Its brilliant red fall foliage makes blackgum an attractive ornamental tree.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 65 ft
- Spread
- 45 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, 2" - 5" long, elliptical, smooth edged; often crowded on short twigs, shiny green above
- Flowers
- male and female flowers usually on separate trees; tiny greenish flowers in clusters
- Fruit
- 3/8" - l/2" long, blue-black berry
- Bark
- gray, thick, deeply furrowed into rectangular ridges
- Associated species
- white, post, scarlet and black oak, hickory, flowering dogwood
- Ideal site conditions
- moist soil, full sun
- Value to man
- landscaping, wood products
- Value to wildlife
- food, dens
- Growth Rate
- slow
- Range
