Nyssa Sylvatica – Tupelo, Black Gum

General Information: Native medium-sized spring-flowering tree. Fall foliage changes from yellow to orange to red to crimson. Perhaps the most beautiful fall foliage of all the large hardwoods. Rarely bothered by disease or insects. Attracts bees. Dark black fruits attract birds; fruits persist into winter. Ideal for moist to wet sites, also found naturally on dry, rocky slopes. Full sun to part shade. It can grow in standing water. 30-50′. Female trees need a male pollinator to set fruit.

Cultivation Details: An excellent tree for wet or dry sites. Commonly found in swampy areas throughout the Eastern US, although the occasional vagrant population will occur on cliff balds far from any water sources. Plant in areas that receive sufficient moisture, especially low-lying or poor-draining areas. Excellent for large rain gardens, along waterways, or to fill in tough sites that develop unwanted puddles. A superb pollination source for Beekeepers. This tree is the source of the gourmet product Tupelo Honey – a product so delicious that it inspired a Van Morrison song!

Growing Requirements: Plant in full to part sun. Trees grow fullest when they are exposed to more sun. Tolerant of most soil conditions, but prefers moist to wet soils. Uniquely tolerant of standing water. Succeeds in dry areas where there is a deep layer of organic matter. Tolerant of most soil types. Suitable for mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils.