Nyssa sylvatica M.O.N. 2 – Majestic® Black Gum Tree

Botanical Name: Nyssa sylvatica M.O.N. 2

Alternate Name: Majestic ® Blackgum, Majestic® Blackgum Tupelo, Majestic ® Black Tupelo

The Majestic® Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica ‘M.O.N.2’) is a stunning and extremely hardy cultivar of the Black Gum tree (Nyssa sylvatica). It is a small to medium sized deciduous tree. This tree was selected for its upright growth habit, branching from a strong central leader.

The Majestic® Black Gum is pyramidal in shape and becomes more conical as it matures. This cultivar is smaller and narrower than the species and grows to a height of 25 feet with a spread of 15 feet. It really shines in the fall with gorgeous, bright foliage colors in a multitude of shades – red, orange, yellow, and purple.

The leaves are attractive and even darker and glossier than that of the species. They are elliptical to obovate in shape and 4-5 inches long. The margins can be finely toothed or entire.

The Black Gum species have male and female flowers on separate trees, although both have a small number of perfect flowers. For fruit to be produced, a male tree must be planted near a female. The flowers appear in May or June. They are whitish-green and inconspicuous but full of nectar for the bees to enjoy.

After the flowers, long, dark fruits appear. They are half an inch in size and oval shaped. They are edible but very sour and more attractive to birds.

The Majestic® Black Gum tree can grow in both wet and dry soils. It can also be somewhat drought tolerant.

No serious disease or insect problems. The leaves are resistant to leaf spot.