Planting Blackgum

The nursery industry offers the species form of this plant in containers, as this plant is difficult to otherwise transplant. It prefers a sunny location but should do reasonably well in partial shade. The Blackgum prefers an acid soil, is drought tolerant and does very well in moist bottomland soils. Named cultivars are available that have been selected for fall color and plant form, but none are readily available from retail nurseries. You can usually find the species of the Blackgum in most good garden centers and nurseries.