Gum Bumelia
sideroxylon lanuginosum
Also known as: ["Gum Bumelia","Woolly Bumelia","Texas Bumelia"]
Overview
A medium-sized, evergreen or semi-evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States, known for its hard wood and small, yellowish-white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Sapotaceae |
| Genus: | Sideroxylon |
| Botanical Name: | Sideroxylon lanuginosum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sunny spot, adaptable to various landscapes
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil; tolerates poor soils but thrives with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates some shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; suitable for both indoor (bright location) and outdoor placement.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Use a mix of loam and sand; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 7–9; tolerates temperatures between 20°F and 100°F; prefers mild temperatures but is adaptable.
Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season
Fertilize sparingly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings; seed propagation is also possible but slower.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is present.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–80°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open up the canopy; heading cuts to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead wood, and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead or diseased wood; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; water before repotting; place in shade for recovery.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency to once a month in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or browning in extreme cold; scorching or yellowing in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop or turn brown; growth slows or halts; can suffer frost damage in temperatures below 20°F.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; cover with frost cloth in freezing temperatures; plant in a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow; soil may dry out rapidly.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before and after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; reduce or stop feeding in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Sideroxylon lanuginosum, particularly the seeds and berries. The effects are generally not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Sideroxylon lanuginosum seeds and berries can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxins primarily affect the digestive tract, causing discomfort but not typically severe systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSideroxylon lanuginosum, commonly known as gum bumelia, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The toxic effects are primarily localized to the digestive system and are not considered life-threatening in most cases.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sideroxylon lanuginosum toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to dogs or cats.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: It can tolerate partial shade but thrives in full sun.
Q: What are the uses of Sideroxylon lanuginosum?
A: The wood is very hard and durable, historically used for fence posts and tool handles; the fruits are eaten by wildlife.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapotaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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