Tupelo, Black

Nyssa sylvatica

Height: 30-50ft
Spread: 20-30ft
Zone: 3-9
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Growth Rate: Slow
Bloom Time/Color: N/A
Fall Color: Red/orange
Uses: Specimen, shade tree, street tree, rain garden
Maintenance: Low
Tree Shape: Pyramidal, oval
Other: Native, attracts birds

Black tupelo, or sour/black gum, is a United States native that is grown for its exquisite fall color and usefulness in damp soils. Insignificant green/cream colored flowers appear in spring which may lead to dark blue fruits that attract birds and wildlife. Tupelos are recognized in the landscape for their elliptical architecture that are covered in glossy dark green leaves. Fall color is an astounding blaze of scarlet and orange. Tupelos are at home in moist to wet soils in full sun or part shade. They tolerate flooding, standing water, poor drainage, clay, and even road salts, small amounts of drought, and dry soils.