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.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
