Wildfire Black Gum Tree

Wildfire black gum is a deciduous shade tree selected for its deep red new leaves, which contrast with mature green foliage and develop orange, yellow and purplish-red tones in autumn. The broadly pyramidal to oval canopy gives this named male selection a strong presence as a lawn, park or large-garden tree. ## Foliage and form Oregon State University describes Wildfire as reaching about 40 feet tall and 25 feet wide. New leaves emerge deep red through the growing season while older leaves mature to deep green; fall color ranges from orange-yellow to purplish red. The showy seasonal foliage makes it suitable as a specimen or shade tree where it has room to develop. Its small flowers are inconspicuous, and this male selection does not produce fruit. ## Siting Grow in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Black gum develops a taproot and can be difficult to transplant, so select the permanent planting site carefully. Avoid high-pH soil and provide shelter from strong wind where practical. The existing hardiness range is retained; the cited profile gives a species hardiness range rather than a specific Wildfire rating. ## Maintenance Water through establishment and during prolonged dry periods, particularly in well-drained sites. Allow space for the mature canopy and avoid moving established trees. The University of Kentucky nursery extension identifies Steve Hottovy of Beyond Green LLC as the person who introduced Wildfire. [Oregon State University's Wildfire profile](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/nyssa-sylvatica) gives the selection's size, color and siting details; [UKY Nursery Crop Extension](https://nursery-crop-extension.mgcafe.uky.edu/content/nyssa-sylvatica-%E2%80%93-black-gum-black-tupelo) documents its introduction.