black gum
black tupelo
© J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
The spring foliage emerges a rich, deep red and flushes of new growth continue this trait until maturity brings a glossy dark green. As the growing season ends the leaves change to an autumnal blend of orange, yellow, scarlet and purple. The tree form is a well-branched, broadly pyramidal to oval shape.
Plant Type: tree
Growth Habit: oval
Foliage Type: deciduous
Plant Height (10-year): 20 ft. 0 in. (6.10 meters)
Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 12 ft. 0 in. (3.66 meters)
Plant Height-Mature: 40 ft. 0 in. (12.19 meters)
Plant Width-Mature: 25 ft. 0 in. (7.62 meters)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6 to 8
Sun/Light Exposure: full sun to light or open shade
Water Requirements: regular summer watering
Seasonal Interest: red new growth and superb autumnal color
This cultivar, 'Wildfire', like the species, prefers to grow in full sun, but will tolerate light or open shade. It is adaptable to many different soil conditions from well-drained to wet soils. It will also tolerate sandy sites and clay. It looks best when it gets regular summer watering. Little pruning is needed to maintain its shape, remove dead, broken or poorly formed branches.
Text and photos ©2020 Great Plant Picks/Elisabeth Carey Miller Garden except where otherwise noted
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation, The Seattle Times, and Individual Donors
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden