As summer fades, Ohio’s landscapes explode with a final burst of color and activity. Bees and birds flock to one tree more than any other, drawn by its rich nectar and vibrant display.
This September, all eyes—and wings—are on the Black Gum tree.
1. Early Fall Color Champion
While other trees are still clinging to their summer greens, Black Gum trees (also called Tupelos) kick off autumn with a spectacular show. Their glossy leaves transform into vibrant scarlets and deep purples as early as late August in Ohio.
The colors often appear in patches, creating a unique polka-dot effect before the entire canopy erupts in flame-like brilliance. Many nature photographers specifically seek out Black Gums for their reliability as early season color markers.
2. Honey Bee Haven
September marks peak nectar production time for Black Gum trees in Ohio. Beekeepers prize the distinctive honey produced from these trees for its rich, spicy flavor that can’t be found elsewhere.
A single mature Black Gum can support thousands of bees during a critical time when other nectar sources are dwindling. The resulting honey tends to be darker than typical varieties, with notes of butterscotch and a slower crystallization rate that makes it perfect for winter storage.
3. Bird Buffet Central
Come September, Black Gum trees become nature’s bird feeders! Their small bluish-black fruits (drupes) ripen perfectly as migratory birds prepare for long journeys south. Over 30 bird species rely on these nutritious berries.
Robins, thrushes, and woodpeckers feast enthusiastically, often creating quite a commotion in the branches. The high fat content in these fruits provides essential energy for migration, making Black Gums critical refueling stations in Ohio’s avian highways.
4. Lightning-Proof Giants
Black Gum trees possess a remarkable superpower – they rarely get struck by lightning! Their unique wood structure contains irregular grain patterns that don’t conduct electricity well.
These resilient trees can reach heights of 80 feet in Ohio forests while living 400+ years. Many of the oldest specimens show hollow trunks that provide shelter for wildlife without compromising the tree’s health. Early settlers noticed this lightning resistance and would often build homes near Black Gums for protection.
5. Root System Mysteries
Beneath every Black Gum hides an extraordinary root system unlike most other Ohio trees. Instead of spreading wide, their roots plunge straight down, sometimes reaching depths of 10 feet or more!
This vertical growth pattern allows Black Gums to access deep water sources during droughts. Their roots also form unique symbiotic relationships with specific fungi found only in Ohio’s oldest forests. These connections help Black Gums thrive in wet areas where other trees would struggle with root rot.
6. Native American Connections
Long before European settlement, Ohio’s indigenous peoples treasured Black Gum trees. The Shawnee and Miami tribes crafted unbreakable tool handles from the interlocking wood grain that resists splitting.
Many tribal healers used Black Gum bark to treat intestinal ailments and reduce fevers. September was traditionally when medicinal bark harvesting occurred, carefully taken from the south-facing side of mature trees. Some Ohio archaeological sites still contain preserved Black Gum wood artifacts dating back centuries.
7. Impossible To Split Wood
Lumberjacks call Black Gum “the puzzle tree” because its wood simply refuses to split cleanly. The interlocking fibers create a twisted grain pattern that makes conventional wood-splitting nearly impossible.
Early Ohio settlers discovered this the hard way when attempting to make fence rails! Today, this same quality makes Black Gum highly valued for butcher blocks, gun stocks, and roller coaster wheels. Woodworkers must use special techniques to work with this stubborn but beautiful timber.
8. September Folklore Guardian
Ohio folklore holds that Black Gum trees predict winter weather. According to old farmer wisdom, when their leaves turn early in September, a harsh winter approaches.
Many rural families still watch their local Black Gums as natural forecasters. Another persistent belief claims that homes built with Black Gum wood never burn – likely stemming from the wood’s high moisture content. Though scientifically questionable, these traditions highlight the special place these trees hold in Ohio’s cultural heritage.