Black Gum seedsBlack gum are amazing trees adapted to a wide range of habitats across the eastern half of the continent. They do well on dry upland sites but will grow in other areas. The fruits they produce are edible although I (Nick) am not found of the flavor. Sidney, Ethan, and other friends of mine love the flavor. Human taste aside birds thoroughly enjoy these fruits. Black gum has a vibrant reddish orange fall color. In my experience they are often one of

Although many will perish

Growing your own oak trees from acorns is an extremely rewarding process

Do note that trees will be more productive in full sun but they can crop in part shade

These trees are old

applying compost to soil helps to sequester carbon

When John found such trees

These acorns sprout a taproot in the fall which is important to keep in mind if you intend to grow white oak from seed

Most will resprout after the blight kills the trunk

This seed came from fruit gathered at Minka Farm's paw paw orchard near Mebane NC

including humans

The trees provide a dappled shade which does not interfere with grass growth in a pasture setting

Black Oak is a hardy oak species with a wide distribution on the east coast and across the mid west