Dust Collection, Safety and Plant Operation, Job Opportunities and Woodworking Services, Sawyers discuss how to handle Black Gum wood, and what you can make with it. Pallet Pete Moderator. This excurrent growth habit is rare for most hardwoods in our region. Black Gum Tree has strikingly brilliant red to deep purple foliage in the fall. The hollow trees are cut down and then cut into short sections and used for beehives. At the dawn of spring, when the world lights up in green, the Wildfire Black Gum stands out with deep ruby red leaves. The Black Gum is the only native species of Nyssa in Canada and occurs primarily in areas north of Lake Erie. When planted in groups, the vibrant red fall colors with hues of purple, orange, and yellow create a stunning image for spectators. It is thought of as one of the five best shade trees in America. Corymbia, which includes the ghost gums and spotted gums. The small blue berries can be a nuisance as they attract birds. High in fat and fiber, the tree’s fruit is an important food source for black bears In colonial times, the strong wood of the black gum was used for water pipes During spring season, the black gum qualifies for our RiverSmart Homes program! The bark does not hold well to the sapwood, however, making it difficult to turn natural edge bowls. An essential first step that allows urban trees to grow to their maximum potential is to select the right tree for the appropriate site. The name Gum tree originated from the sap excreted from the bark that looks gum like … The leaves are alternate, usually entire (not toothed), and glabrous (smooth). Planting for success in the urban environment is never an easy task. American Beech : Red Maple . (Sawing and Drying Forum) Lastly, it has become apparent that our climate is changing. Nate Torenvliet describes finding a 580-year-old black gum tree in the Niagara region of Ontario. 6th Edition Champaign, IL: Stipes Publishing. The Black Gum Tree is also called the Sour Gum Tupelo, and a rare tree to find in nurseries. Dwarf Apple. As previously mentioned, black gum’s excurrent form usually contains a centralized leader with branches growing at wide angles horizontally along the trunk that are usually considerably smaller than the trunk. Black gum leaf on any variety of the tree is an elongated oval that flutters in the slightest of breezes from the slender branches. Black gum is best grown in areas with acidic, medium to wet, well-drained soils and full sun to part shade. In the South the Black Gum trees, Nyssa sylvatica, are known as, 'Tupelo trees' or 'Black Tupelo Trees' and grow into enormous towering tree specimens in wet or damp areas, where they are fast growing and abundantly produce a fruit that is highly prized by birds. Many hardwood species in our region have a decurrent form, such as many of our oaks and maples, which develop several leaders nearly equal in size, referred to as co-dominant stems. Nyssa sylvatica A native to the eastern U.S., Black Gum is noted for its outstanding and consistent fall red color. Under optimum conditions, black gum has the genetic ability to reach a height of 75 feet. Black tupelo gum trees were also once prolific in the area, and it is this tree that is noted for its dazzling red foliage in the fall. Black tupelo gum trees were also once prolific in the area, and it is this tree that is noted for its dazzling red foliage in the fall. Species such as elms that have an upright growth habit develop leaders with narrow crotches that are much more likely to develop included bark between the union when compared to a branch with a wide angle of attachment to the trunk. Displaying various hues of yellow, orange, bright red and purple—often on the same branch—its foliage is a stand-out of the autumn season. Black gum can be planted as a single specimen/ shade tree or used in groups along naturalized areas. This tree is known to the Islanders as the Beetlebung Tree. The color of the wood is tan or pale yellow with medium brown to dark brown and black highlights. 1. I first became acquainted with black gums on an outing to Grassie, Ontario with a local tree group, and it was a meeting I would not forget. Nyssa sylvatica's genus name, Nyssa, refers to a Greek water nymph; the species epithet sylvatica refers to its woodland habitat. Separate male and female trees. Certified106, Nov 8, 2013 #7 Top. The wood has a unique reddish brown color with sapwood that's nearly white and black grain running through the hardwood. You might be used to the fiery autumnal colors that Black Gums are famous for, but the Wildfire Black Gum Tree doesn't just bring those colors to the fall. Nate Torenvliet describes finding a 580-year-old black gum tree in the Niagara region of Ontario. Rich tones of red, purple and orange light up the garden with a power you would not have believed possible, leaving all but a few other trees looking pale and insignificant. Sweet gum trees are found throughout the eastern United States. To view a good example of this tree’s fall display, visit NH’s Pisgah, Fox Forest, and Rhododendron state parks with populations growing throughout in the tree’s favored acidic wetland habitat. About the Black Gum - Nyssa sylvatica. Comment from contributor A: We do not see a disease or insect issue, which points to a cultural/environmental problem. Called “one of the best and most consistent native trees for fall color” by tree expert Michael Dirr, the black tupelo is a terrific landscaping choice. I have done several turnings from a down black gum on my property, and they are beautiful. It could have been a slip of the tongue that led to this confusion, as its wood is often used to make gunstocks (gum and gun – it’s pretty close I suppose!) Its fall foliage is a showstopper, with leaves turning various shades of orange, yellow, red and a striking purple. The black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) is a deciduous tree that is originally from the United States. Black gum is excellent for turning. The name Tupelo comes from the native American muscogee language meaning "swamp tree". They also feature distinct five-pointed leaves as well as spiked fruits that are sometimes called “gumballs” and seeds that attract birds. Joined: Oct 2, 2013 Messages: 13,019 Likes Received: 49,995 The wood can be readily pulped and is used for high-grade book and magazine papers. … Dirr. A fast growing native tree with a pyramidal habit growing to 60 feet tall and 25 feet wide. In the past, blackgum was used for oxen yokes and chopping bowls due to the toughness resulting from the interlocked grain. Botanical names: Nyssa sylvatica Common names: Black gum, blackgum, tupelo, black tupelo, sour gum, pepperidge Origin: Native from southern Maine to central Florida in the east and as far west as … Black gum heartwood often rots, creating dens for wildlife, including black bears. During the fall season the dark green leaves turn into a spectacular purple, then into a scarlet-red color. However, it was used as a traditional remedy for issues with diarrhea and sore throats. Chewing Gum and Gum Trees . Black gum is becoming a popular landscaping tree. One of the most common issues trees face in the urban environment is compacted soils. According to the Ford Gum Company, modern gums are made with chicle, natural gums, or human-made latex. Therefore, it is difficult for trees species that require good drainage to survive in compacted soils. Your black gum leaves should not be reddish. Black Tupelo (Black Gum), Nyssa sylvatica, one of the most attractive native trees around. Since black gum naturally grows in an environment that is somewhat similar to these conditions in the urban environment, it is able to tolerate compacted soils better than most other species. Wildfire is also a seedless variety, and will not produce fruit in the fall. Other human-made materials are added for a better chewing experience. Fruit the size of navy beans ripen to a dark blue in fall and are a favorite food to many birds. June 30, 2009, KnowledgeBase: Primary Processing: Air Drying Lumber, KnowledgeBase: Wood Engineering: Wood Properties. New foliage growth is red compared to the species which has green new growth,leaves then turn to dark green as it matures. 3 vols. Save Photo. Included bark between a co-dominant stem results in an extremely weak connection. It is considered a slow to medium growing tree, which may contribute to its longevity. Feed the tree in the fall with a slow-release granular fertilizer. Deep rooted, so difficult to transplant when mature. New Hampshire’s (NH) native Nyssa sylvatica, commonly referred to as black gum, is one example of a native species that can be successfully incorporated into the urban landscape. It is favored for its brilliant fall foliage and its winter form, which displays attractively dropping branches over time. All tree species have their pros and cons, especially in the built environment. Urban soils are frequently composed of clay, which is highly compacted during construction in order to meet engineers’ load-bearing specifications that support vehicles and pedestrians. beauty of this tree. Many limb sections have large bark inclusions which add character to the turnings, but also increase the risk of the piece breaking apart during turning. 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