Identifying Characteristics
| Size/Form: | The blackgum is a moderately large tree, sometimes more than 100 feet in height, 3-4 feet in diameter. It has a somewhat tapering bole, and a narrow, oblong crown. The root system is spreading and commonly produces vigorous sprouts. |
| Leaves: | Leaves are simple, alternate, and deciduous. The leaves are 2-5 inches long, 1-3 inches wide, oval-shaped, and taper into an acute apex. Leaf bases are wedge-shaped or rounded. Leaf margins are entire or sometimes with a few coarse, scattered teeth. Leaf surfaces are dark green and lustrous above, paler with silky hairs below. Leaf petioles are 1 inch long and are remotely winged. |
| Twigs: | The twigs are moderately stout and reddish-brown. The pith is white and diaphragmed. |
| Bark: | The bark is gray to light brown and is blocky, due to the shallow, irregular furrows, which resembles alligator skin. |
| Flowers: | Blackgum is primarily dioecious which means that there are male trees and female trees; however, sometimes both flower parts can occur on the same tree. The flowers are not showy, light green in color, in clusters hanging from slender stalks, appearing with the leaves. |
| Fruit: | The fruit is an ovoid, dark blue drupe about 1/2 inch long. The fleshy part of the fruit is rather bitter. The pits have indistinct longitudinal ridges or ribs. |
Similar Trees on the Florida 4-H Forest Ecology Contest List:
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