Black Gum-Nyssa sylvatica

Something to Ponder:

There is a lot to admire about the Black Gum tree. It is known for having a straight trunk, a wide canopy that goes up then out, a long history native to the United States, and a beautiful color change from dark glossy green to red, orange and yellow in the fall. Below the surface there is a deep tap root making the tree difficult to move and an interlocking twisted grain that makes the wood difficult to split. The Black Gum is, in short, a tree with a solid foundation and comforting presence.

Do you know people like that? Solid. Strong. People whose faith runs deep like a taproot. People whose very presence emanates grace and gratitude. Are you striving to be that type of person? The Black gum tree is a slow but steady grower, just a couple feet a year. Are you making that progress? Are you taking steps to grow in your faith’s journey every day?

As with all trees, the Black Gum tree eventually comes to the end of its life span, decaying from the top down. But many times there is a final gift. Since the wood can’t be easily split, its dying trunk makes a perfect home for bees. Black Gum beehives are prized among beekeepers for their strength and beauty.

At the end of your life here on earth, have you thought about your legacy? After your years of growing, staying strong, running the good race, fighting the good fight, will you be remembered for your fruit? Will it be as sweet as honey?

Learn More:

Black Gum-Nyssa sylvatica, also known as a tupelo or 'Swamp Tree', Black Gum, and Sour Gum is named for its dark leaves. It decays from the top down, which makes the tree shorter the older it gets. Decay begins in the heartwood, leaving many hollow trees in the forest. The hollow trees are cut into sections and used for beehives, making it one of the best honey producing trees in the world. Black gum has several features that make it an excellent landscape tree. The alternately arranged 3 inch long, dark green, glossy leaves and attractive fall color are perhaps the most distinctive features. The magnificent fall color is enhanced by planting trees in locations with more direct sunlight. Gum trees in general, vary in shape, height and color, but all have similar characteristics that can make them problematic for planting near a home. This includes their aggressive root system that can be far reaching and cause foundation damage to homes.