Black Gum ‘David Odom’ AFTERBURNER
Arbor walk #91
The Black Gum, also known regionally as tupelo and black tupelo, is a part of the Nyssaceae family. The Black Gum tree can be found from the East coast to as far west as eastern Texas. St Louis and central eastern Missouri is the at the furthest northwestern extent of the range.
| Name | Black Gum ‘David Odom’ AFTERBURNER |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Nyssa sylvatica ‘David Odom’ |
| Type | Native Cultivar |
| Diameter | 3” caliper |
| Color of Leaf | Dark green but Fall color is scarlet. |
| Shape of Leaf | Elliptical in shape with smooth margins |
| Color of Flower | Greenish-white |
| Shape of Flower | Female flowers in sparse clusters and male flowers in dense heads. |
| Fruit Characteristics | Dark purple oval fruits (drupes) (in late September) (female only) |
| Bark Characteristics | Gray brown and deeply furrowed |
| Foliage Type | Deciduous |
The Black Gum is a deciduous tree that prefers less crowded environments. The trees produce a hardwood used for industrial purposes and construction and are also notable hosts of wild honey bees. The AFTERBURNER is known for its exceptional Fall colors and pyramidal shape.