If sugar maple (Acer saccharum) has a rival for spectacular fall foliage, it is surely black gum.  No other tree produces such vivid, firey shades of red -- when contrasted against the grey, ridged and furrowed bark, one is inspired to grab an easel and some paint.

Black gum is happiest when growing in bogs or similarly wet conditions but will tolerate a dry site surrounded by pavement and buildings, as seen here.  The fruit, which ripens in August, tastes sour but is relished by many mammals and more than 30 species of birds.  Bee keepers seek out black gums while in bloom because the honey produced from those flowers is considered particularly flavorful.  For additional information regarding the biological and ecological characteristics of black gum, click here.

The tree pictured here is growing east of Hamilton-Smith.  A stately row of 5 larger black gums may be seen on the east side of New Hampshire hall.