Native Trees for Fall Color: Black Gum and American Hornbeam

Some native trees have wonderful fall color. While most people think of oaks and maples, consider our native black gum and American hornbeam trees if you want to add color to your Zone 7 gardens. And both of these trees benefit our pollinators and wildlife. This video also provides information on the smooth blue aster, a wonderful pollinator plant providing them nutrition during the lean fall months.
Master Gardeners (FCMGA) educate and provide scientific horticultural information to the public. Fairfax County Master Gardeners (FCMGA) is a partner with Virginia Cooperative Education, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.
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[@SpringRubber]

Black Gum is a nice tree. I live near the Turquoise Trail in Reston which has many Black Gums in the understory. They don't get the red color in Fall unless they are in full sun. In my yard is a large one, 30-40 ft, that produces the small black fruits but I've never been close enough to see the flowers, they're really quite small, indistinct. Once you see a mature tree and the bark it's easy to recognize. You can also see small hornbeam trees on this trail.