I hope you are enjoying my series on Tree identification.  I am having fun writing it.

I know a little about trees from Horticulture school, and I love researching each tree further, to present them in an informative and entertaining way.  This way my books are getting used, and we're all learning something new.

 

Black gum,  Nyssa sylvatica.  Medium height, slow growing, deciduous trees reaching 30 - 70 feet.  I'm mentioning this tree NOW because they are already beginning to show fall color:  brilliant red leaves scattered among the glossy green ones.  You may have also noticed dark blue berry stains on the pavement.  The berries are relished by black bears and over 30 species of birds, including wild turkeys.

 

Black gum is also called Sour gum or black tupelo, and the lumber is used for furniture, boxes, and crates.  

 

Next time you are out, I hope you will notice a bit of fall color.  It's already started on our mountain.

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!