Blackgum, also called black tupelo, is known for its glossy leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple in fall. The crown tends to be irregular and often pyramidal when young, becoming more open with age.
Habitat and range
In Maryland, blackgum grows in both moist bottomlands and drier upland woods. It tolerates periodic flooding as well as well‑drained slopes, making it common from coastal plain swamps to piedmont ridges.
Uses and significance
Blackgum fruits are an important food source for birds and other wildlife. The wood is tough and shock‑resistant, historically used for tool handles and applications where splitting resistance was important.