This beauty is called the Blackgum tree, otherwise known as Nyssa sylvatica. It shows off in the fall with spectacular bright red, orange, and crimson leaves. It also produces little blue fruits that lots of birds and deer feed on. Get a closer look at the leaves. Notice that they're rather shiny and smooth. They can reach five inches in length and are typically skinny and ovate. A staple of this tree is its blocky, dark bark and its remarkably long lifespan of up to 500 years!
