Audubon® Native Black Gum

Well known as one of the most beautiful native trees, Black Gum Trees are etched with seasons of magnificent features! A bevy of hummingbirds and butterflies flock to this beauty in spring as clusters of delicate white flowers bloom for many months. A true sight to see as you relax on your patio, watching a host of colorful winged friends flutter throughout your yard. Shining dark green leaves shimmer in the wind like an elegant chandelier. In fall, you’ll want to hoist up a hammock under the large canopy of red, orange, and yellow autumn leaves. Native honey bees and birds particularly love the small fruits that ripen in fall. A widely beneficial shade tree not on you but also for the health of your local ecosystem!

The early settlers on Martha's Vineyard learned from the native Wampanoag how to manufacture whale oil. As demand for oil grew they began storing and shipping the oil in wooden casks. The Black gum tree, native to the island was key in this production. The gnarled grain of the Black gum resists splintering and was used for making the beetle, or mallet and the bungs, which are the wooden stoppers in the casks. This tree is known to the Islanders as the Beetlebung Tree.

It isn’t the prettiest name, but wait until you see the gorgeous fiery fall color. This environmentally friendly native tree is moderately sized and has some of the most glorious fall color you will ever see! Use it to line your driveway or fence line for a stunning show each fall! Or, if you're a beekeeper, plant this native Tupelo in order to harvest tupelo honey!

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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