Black Gum. This is one of our great native trees which is noted for its great brilliant red fall color. Its branches have a characteristically horizontal growth habit which makes it easy to identify from a distance, even without foliage in a mixed forest. It is easily cultivated, as this plant grows on high ground or low areas both, even where they may experience "wet feet". The photos are the courtesy of the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO. Their online information is one of the best botanical sources on the internet. It is very thorough and quite dependable.
Zones 4-9
