Gum Bully: A Lesser-Known Native Tree Worth Considering
If you’re looking to add native trees to your landscape but want something a bit off the beaten path, let me introduce you to the gum bully (Sideroxylon lanuginosum oblongifolium). This native American tree might not be as famous as oaks or maples, but it has its own unique charm that’s worth exploring.
What Is Gum Bully?
Gum bully is a perennial tree native to the lower 48 states. Like many trees, it typically grows as a single-trunked specimen reaching heights greater than 13-16 feet, though environmental conditions can sometimes create shorter, multi-stemmed forms. You might also encounter this tree under its historical names, including Bumelia lanuginosa oblongifolia and Bumelia oblongifolia.
Where Does Gum Bully Grow Naturally?
This native tree has established itself across a substantial swath of the American South and Midwest. You’ll find gum bully growing naturally in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. This wide distribution suggests it’s a fairly adaptable species that can handle different regional conditions.
Why Consider Gum Bully for Your Landscape?
Choosing native plants like gum bully offers several advantages for both your garden and local ecosystem:
- It’s naturally adapted to regional climate conditions
- Requires less maintenance once established compared to non-native species
- Supports local wildlife and ecosystem health
- Adds biodiversity to your landscape
The Growing Challenge
Here’s where I need to be honest with you: detailed growing information for this specific tree variety is surprisingly limited in readily available sources. While we know it’s a hardy native tree with a broad natural range, specifics about preferred soil conditions, water requirements, sun exposure, and USDA hardiness zones aren’t well-documented for this particular form.
This lack of readily available cultivation information might explain why gum bully isn’t commonly found in nurseries or landscape designs. It’s one of those sleeper native plants that could be wonderful additions to the right gardens but needs more attention from the horticultural community.
What This Means for Gardeners
If you’re intrigued by gum bully and want to try growing it, you’ll likely need to:
- Source plants or seeds from native plant societies or specialty nurseries
- Research growing conditions of related Sideroxylon species for guidance
- Start with a small trial planting to see how it performs in your specific conditions
- Connect with local native plant groups who might have experience with this species
The Bottom Line
Gum bully represents both an opportunity and a challenge for native plant enthusiasts. It’s a legitimate native species with a wide natural range, suggesting good adaptability and ecological value. However, the limited cultivation information means you’d be somewhat pioneering in growing it.
If you’re an adventurous gardener who enjoys trying uncommon native species and doesn’t mind some trial and error, gum bully could be an interesting addition to your landscape. Just be prepared to do some detective work on the growing requirements!
For gardeners seeking easier-to-grow native trees with better-documented care requirements, consider exploring other native species common to your region while keeping gum bully on your someday list as cultivation information becomes more available.
