Bayshore/ Sour Gum

COMMON NAME: Sour Gum

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Blackgum, Blacktupelo, Pepperidge, Swamp Blackgum,

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Nyssa sylvatica

FAMILY: Cornaceae

COMMUNITY: Maritime Forest

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial (Tree)

HEIGHT: to 90 feet, frequently to 30 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Mid May to mid June

FRUITING TIME: Late August to October

DISTRIBUTION: Maine to Northern Florida, west to Wisconsin and Texas ~ Statewide in NJ ~ Grows in wet or moist forest

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Leaves simple, alternate, entire, 2 to 5 inches long, dark green, exceptionally glossy on top, gold, orange then rose-purple the bright red in early fall ~ Bark gray-brown, deeply furrowed ~ Flowers insignificant, greenish-white, appear in early Spring ~ Berries (drupe) brown or blue in fall, 1/3 inch in diameter, large stone inside

GENERAL INFORMATION: The Sour Gum tree is in the Dogwood family.  This genus Nyssa is named for a water nymph in classical mythology and this species sylvatica means that it is of the forest. Decay sets in early, as time measured by tree growth, and attaches the heartwood first, so that hollow trees are common. In Southern U.S. such a tree is cut down and sawed into short sections.  These are stood up on boxes and a board laid over the top for beehives.  Hence the name bee-gums for hives.  Longer sections are arranged as traps for rabbits and laid in the woods; the hunter calls these rabbit-gums. The fibers of the Black Gum are cross-woven making it extremely difficult to split.  Because nothing can split it, these trees are worked into handles of heavy-duty tools, gun stocks and pistol grips.  It is also a favorite for chopping bowls and for the wooden parts of agricultural machinery.  Quarter-sawed and stained Sour Gum makes a good imitation of Mahogany and a veneer is desirable because it is nearly unbreakable. The bark of the Sour Gum was used as a dye.  The roots were used to make floats. The dark blue fruit is an edible wild food and it provides food for birds.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.