Black Gum Tupelo Tree

Nyssa sylvatica

Other Common Names: Blackgum, Black Tupelo, Nyssa, Pepperidge, Sour Gum

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 3a-9b Find Your Zone

Shrub Type: Deciduous Tree

Height at Maturity: 20 to 30′ in full sun; 50 to 80′ in woodland settings

Width at Maturity: 20-25 feet in full sun; 30 to 35′ in woodland settings

Spacing: 40 feet for space between trees

Growth Habit / Form: Conical, Upright

Growth Rate: Moderate

Flower Color: Greenish White, insignificant, not showy

Flower Size: 1″

Flowering Period: Spring

Flower Type: Single, in clusters, insignificant

Fragrant Flowers:

Foliage Color: Dark Green in Summer, Brilliant Scarlet Red in Fall

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: Yes

Berry Color: Bluish Black

Sun Needs: Full Sun to Part Shade

Water Needs: Average, drought tolerant when established

Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sandy(amended), Silty

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well-Drained, drought tolerant when established

Soil pH: 5.0 – 8.0 (Acid to Alkaline)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention, Beneficial Pollinators, Birds, Mammals

Resistances: Deer, Disease, Drought, Heat, Insect, Salty Soil

Description

One of the toughest yet most attractive North American trees around, the Black Gum, also known as Tupelo, is tolerant of drought, heat, dry and wet soils and is moderately salt tolerant withstanding wind and ice and salt spray in coastal locations. Deep green summer leaves are similar in appearance to Magnolia with a high-gloss appearance, but the most spectacular feature is the brilliant scarlet red foliage that might include many shades of yellow, orange or purple all on the same branch. Edible bluish-black berries appear in late summer and fall and are often gobbled up by many species of birds and mammals. When planted in full sun Black Gum grows from 30 to 5 feet in height over time with a spread of 20 to 30 feet. In woodland settings, where the tree has to reach for sunlight, it can grow up to 80 feet tall.

Fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Produces a thin sharply acid pulp that is pleasant to roll in the mouth as a masticatory, it is also used in preserves. The honey bees produce from the flowers of this tree is highly prized.

Wildlife Value

The fruits (berries) are enjoyed by thrushes and other songbirds, wild turkeys, black bear, foxes, raccoons and opossums from August through October. It is one of the most important food sources for fall song bird migration. The natural hollows that form in the tree are a refuge for reptiles, tree frogs, bats and other wildlife. Though inconspicuous and not showy, the spring flowers are a nectar source for bees.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 30 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide, the Black Gum is ideal for use as a specimen or in grouping in sunny to partially shaded landscape and woodland borders. Also a great selection to line a street, property line or driveway and a fine addition to bird and wildlife gardens, native plant gardens, edible gardens, cottage gardens and Xericapes (low water needs).

Suggested Spacing: 40 feet for space between trees

Growing Preferences

The Black Gum Tree grows best in most any moist but well-drained soil of average fertility and full to mostly sun. Established trees are very drought tolerant. Light shade is tolerated.

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