sour gum

American  

noun

1. a tree, Nyssa sylvatica, of eastern North America, having elliptic leaves, dark-blue, berrylike fruit, and wood with a variety of commercial uses.

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sour gum British  

noun

1. Also called: black gum.   pepperidge.  a cornaceous tree, Nyssa sylvatica, of the eastern US, having glossy leaves, soft wood, and sour purplish fruits See also tupelo Compare sweet gum

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Etymology

Origin of sour gum

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

THE sour gum, often called black gum, is found in many types of soil and in most conditions of soil moisture in southern Illinois, but it becomes rare in the northern half of the State.

From Forest Trees of Illinois How to Know Them by Fuller George D.

The number of seeds distributed by crows is enormous, and consists of many species, including poison ivy and poison sumac, wild cherry, dogwood, red cedar, sour gum, and Virginia creeper.

From Seed Dispersal by Beal, W. J. (William James)

The hairy woodpecker devours many of the above fruits, as well as those of spicebush, sour gum, cherries, grapes, blackberries.

From Seed Dispersal by Beal, W. J. (William James)

The enlarged base and the larger fruit serve to distinguish it from the sour gum.

From Forest Trees of Illinois How to Know Them by Fuller George D.