Blackgum

Nyssa sylvatica
Nyssaceae
Nyssa sylvatica leaf
Nyssa sylvatica form MJP
Nyssa sylvatica bark
Nyssa sylvatica fall color
Brilliant red fall foliage and dark checkered bark. Tolerates range of soil conditions and urban environments. Slow growth and yellow leaves in alkaline soils.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Very Good
Wildlife Benefits
Nectar source for bees; fruit food source for songbirds, gamebirds, mammals; cavity nesting site
Pollination Type
Pollinator
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
33
Bloom Time
Spring (Apr-Jun)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Shade: Receives less than 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Moderate: 1 ft- 2 ft per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Silt: Medium sized particles. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Rocky: Large pieces of gravel and rock. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Low; Leaf cosmetic-leaf spot
Urban Stress Tolerance
High: Tree can adapt to a variety of urban conditions and will grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
7
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Occasional
  • Oak Mixed: Occasional
  • Alluvial: Frequent
  • Red Maple Mixed: Frequent
  • Ruderal: Rare
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Brown
Green
White
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Long: Greater than 250 years
Soil pH
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Wetland Indicator Status
FAC: Facultative, occurs in wetlands and non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant: Tolerant to both aerial salt spray and salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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