Nyssa sylvatica

Black Gum (Black Tupelo)

One of our most beautiful native trees! The pyramidal form, lustrous dark green leaves, and intense fall color make black gum a great specimen tree as well as a shade tree. The fall foliage is consistently outstanding ranging from fluorescent yellow, orange, scarlet, or purple, depending on the tree.

Some trees have mostly male flowers while others have mostly female flowers, while most plants have a few male and female flowers. This is why some plants are loaded with egg-shaped blue-black berries, while others may only have a few berries.  The nectar from the flowers is sought after by bees and tupelo honey is highly prized.

Black gum provides nesting sites for birds, pollen and nectar for pollinators, and food for birds and mammals.

 

  • Beautiful native tree with a dense, conical habit
  • Exceptional fall color
  • Excellent specimen tree

  • Category: Tree, Wetland, Native
  • Hardiness Zone: 4-9
  • Height: 30-50 ft
  • Spread: 20-30 ft
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Landscape Characteristics
Flowers
Foliage Color
Specialty Use
Wildlife Garden
Woodland Garden
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Songbirds
Classification by Use
Color Impact
Native
Shade Tree
Critter Resistance
Deer Resistant
Habit
Pyramidal
Upright
Light Requirement
Part Sun
Sun
Foliage
Deciduous
Fall Color
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
Fall
Spring
Summer
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Moisture
Average Water
Well-Drained
Wet Soil/Wetlands
Foliage Color
Dark Green
Orange
Purple
Red
Yellow
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Nyssa sylvatica

Grows best in moist, well-drained, acidic soil in full sun or semi-shade. Does not tolerate high pH soils. Tolerates wet soils. Plant in locations that are protected from strong winds.