Forum™ Black Gum (Tupelo)

A landmark selection that brought consistency and refined form to one of North America's most valuable native trees. Forum is highly regarded for its exceptional structure and reliability in the landscape. This improved selection addresses the traditional challenges of the species—particularly the inconsistent form of seedlings—while preserving the outstanding wildlife value and adaptability that make blackgums indispensable in ecological landscaping. Commercial cultivars, such as Forum are male and will not produce fruit. 'Forum' distinguishes itself with a strong central leader and symmetrical, pyramidal habit that develops naturally without extensive pruning. The horizontal branching emerges at nearly right angles from the trunk, creating an architectural elegance that is both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. This growth pattern makes the tree far less prone to storm damage or splitting than many other shade trees. Unlike typical blackgum seedlings, which often exhibit