I'll have to move it but I was planning to wait until the spring. Would it be better to move it now?

Thanks,
Claire

I've been researching Nyssa sylvatica and many of the sites talk about leathery or waxy leaves. The leaves on my little tree are gone now so I can't check, but my impression is that they were not that substantial. The texture was lighter, more like a cherry or a maple. Is this significant?

Claire

agree with sam. Looks like the myriad little Nyssa seedlings that pop up everywhere here.

Some years back, a GWer sent me a batch of seeds - supposedly Chionanthus retusus - but...something looked vaguely familiar about them...got close to 110% germination, grew 'em out for a couple of years...and somehow, something was vaguely familiar - and non-Chionanthus - about their appearance - and they never looked at all like the photos of C.retusus foliage I'd seen. Second fall...the intense RED fall color finally registered with me...they were N.sylvatica seedlings!

This post was edited by lucky_p on Thu, Nov 6, 14 at 14:19

My foliage was yellow, not red, although the leaves got blown off rather than dropping - so maybe they would have turned red if the wind had left them alone. The seedling is growing in considerable shade too which could affect the color.

I'm quite happy with a possible "N. sylvatica" but there are a few things that don't really fit (not leathery leaves, not red). I've never seen N. sylvatica seedlings so I really don't have any experience here.

Claire

I have a couple nyssa seedlings that by chance grew in complete shade and they turned yellow this fall. I also have around 10 blackgums at the house and NONE of mine have that shiny appearance you sometimes see in pics. Mine look just like yours.

I think the ID is correct.

jOndO3: Great! Now I just have to find a place for it.

Thanks,
Claire

here is the PA champion black gum...careful on placement

Claire,
Fall color is variable - and may differ some from year to year. Some have fabulous red fall leaf color - very much a standout; I probably just don't notice the yellows as much, as they blend right in with the hickories, sugar maples, etc.

I would love to have that blackgum in my yard.

Here is one that should be correctly identified and aged. If you get a state champion sized tree I can't think of a better one.

EEK! Maybe I can plant it in the next-door neighbors' yard - they have more room than I do....just have to convince them they need it....

Claire

Love that champion Black gum, looks very oak like.

claire, small blackgums in the shaded understory usually turn yellow instead of red. There were many such in the understory where I was in VA.

I agree w/others -- looks like blackgum.