black gum

or sour gum

Most widely distributed tupelo, Nyssa sylvatica, also known as black tupelo or pepperidge tree. It is found in moist areas of the eastern U.S. from Maine south to the Gulf Coast and westward to Oklahoma. Its wood is light and soft but tough. The black gum is sometimes grown as an ornamental and is prized for its brilliant scarlet autumnal foliage.

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