A refined native shade tree with glossy summer leaves and a fall color finale in red, orange, and purple that stops traffic
FEATURES:
- Spectacular fall color in red, orange, and purple tones that can shift like a stained-glass sunset
- Glossy deep green summer foliage for a clean, polished look through the growing season
- Strong, upright habit that matures into a handsome, well-structured canopy
- Excellent native choice that supports wildlife and adds long-term landscape value
- Textural bark that becomes more interesting with age for winter character
- Great lawn or feature tree for properties that want shade with standout seasonal color
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Design around the fall finale. Place this where you’ll see it daily, from a front window, the driveway turn, or the patio. Then surround it with plants that look good when the leaves are changing, evergreens for contrast, grasses for movement, and late-season perennials for texture. When the tree lights up in red, orange, and purple, the whole yard looks like it planned a standing ovation.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Mature Height: 40-50' tall
- Mature Width: 25-35' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Partial Shade
- Spacing: 25-35' apart
Arnold Black Gum/Sour Gum
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Nyssa sylvatica 'Arnold'
Regular priceSave 25% on All Tree Collections with code: SPRINGBEST25 at checkout.
Plant with Confidence when choosing Big & Tall Trees and Hedges!
A refined native shade tree with glossy summer leaves and a fall color finale in red, orange, and purple that stops traffic
FEATURES:
- Spectacular fall color in red, orange, and purple tones that can shift like a stained-glass sunset
- Glossy deep green summer foliage for a clean, polished look through the growing season
- Strong, upright habit that matures into a handsome, well-structured canopy
- Excellent native choice that supports wildlife and adds long-term landscape value
- Textural bark that becomes more interesting with age for winter character
- Great lawn or feature tree for properties that want shade with standout seasonal color
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Design around the fall finale. Place this where you’ll see it daily, from a front window, the driveway turn, or the patio. Then surround it with plants that look good when the leaves are changing, evergreens for contrast, grasses for movement, and late-season perennials for texture. When the tree lights up in red, orange, and purple, the whole yard looks like it planned a standing ovation.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Mature Height: 40-50' tall
- Mature Width: 25-35' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Partial Shade
- Spacing: 25-35' apart
Why plant Arnold Black Gum/Sour Gum?
If you’re planting for fall color, this is the tree you put your money on. Arnold Black Gum (also called Sour Gum) is famous for turning autumn into a full performance, with leaves shifting into red, orange, and purple tones, often all on the same tree. It’s one of those rare trees that looks elegant in summer, glossy green and well-shaped, then completely steals the show when the weather cools.
But it’s not just a pretty face. It’s a native tree with real landscape value: tough, long-lived, and supportive of wildlife. It matures into a refined canopy with a clean trunk and strong branching, and the bark gains texture with age, adding character through winter. This is a legacy tree that happens to be gorgeous, which is honestly the best combination.
How to use Arnold Black Gum/Sour Gum in the landscape?
Plant it as a specimen shade tree in an open lawn where the fall color can be seen from every angle and the canopy can develop naturally over time. It’s also a smart choice near the edge of a property or along a long driveway, where the upright form provides structure without feeling bulky. In mixed landscapes, use it to anchor a native planting palette, pairing it with ornamental grasses, hydrangeas, viburnums, and other wildlife-friendly shrubs for a layered look that feels intentional and natural. Give it adequate space away from hardscape so the roots and canopy can settle in comfortably, then keep the base simple with a mulch ring or low groundcover to highlight the trunk and form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Black gum does not have showy blooms. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are not a primary ornamental feature. The standout traits are the glossy foliage, strong form, and fall color.
Yes, it’s considered one of the best. In autumn, the foliage can turn a mix of red, orange, and purple tones, often creating a multi-color effect on the same tree.
Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant, focusing on removing dead or crossing branches and building good structure when young. Once established, it typically needs minimal pruning to maintain its naturally refined form.
