Nyssa sylvatica

black gum

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moist but well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Other features: spectacular autumn colour
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The handsome green leaves of this deciduous tree turn dazzling shades of orange, red or yellow in autumn, putting on one of the best displays of all. A spectacular tree, it has a broadly conical to columnar silhouette, often with the lower branches gracefully sweeping downwards. It makes a magnificent feature in a larger garden and can be grown as a multi-stemmed specimen.
  
  
• Garden care: When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly. Removed dead, diseased and crossing branches while the tree is dormant.