Black Gum or swamp tupelo is a small tree of Atlantic and Gulf coastal plain swamps, with a more slender form and smaller fruit than the related black tupelo. Its blue-black berries are an important fall food for many migrating birds. The wood is extremely rot-resistant and was used for railroad cross ties. It tolerates prolonged flooding.
Best time to see a Black Gum
The best time to see a Black Gum is March–August, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 810 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Black Gum sightings near you
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