Common Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica)
GPS Coordinates: 40.025347, -75.313114
The Common Black Gum tree (Nyssa sylvatica) is medium sized and has dark gray bark that becomes furrowed and scaled as it grows older. The Black Gum has very tiny greenish-white flowers that become apparent in the months of May and June. The Black Gum is used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens and can be found mostly in eastern North America. This tree acts as a food source for migrating birds that come in the fall. The birds are attracted to its bright color and they feed from the trees’ fruit. This tree is also very important to wildlife because as the limbs of the Black Gum deteriorate, the holes make great homes for animals like squirrels and raccoons.