All species of trees and shrubs leaf out at different times. ‘Zydeco Twist’ – A selection with strongly twisting and contorted stems. Fruits mature to a dark blue and are attractive to birds and wildlife. Female trees need a male pollinator to set fruit. (Matthew Perry, 2014) Black tupelo flowers showing that they are clusters of stems. Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. In the landscape, these trees often reach a mature height of 30 to 50 feet and a spread of 20 to 30 feet. The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers. Habitat & Range A stately tree with a straight trunk and rounded crown (more pyramidal when young) that typically grows 30-50' tall, but occasionally to 90'. However, the shape of the crown may vary from tree to tree, some displaying a flat-topped crown. With distinctive stout and many-branched trunks, black tupelo is easily recognized in wet forests. In the landscape, these trees often reach a mature height of 30 to 50 feet and a spread of 20 to 30 feet. On the other end of the spectrum, tolerates some drought and adapts to some dryish soils, at least in the wild. The leaves are waxy green above and pale green beneath. The Division of Forestry promotes and applies management for the sustainable use and protection of Ohio’s private and public forest lands. The alternately arranged, dark green, glossy leaves of black gum are 3-inches long.Barbara H. Smith, ©2018 HGIC, Clemson Extension. Tag us in a photo of your Black Tupelo! Fire Starter® (‘JFS-Red’) PP#26795 – Tree shape is narrow oval to upright oval and grows to 35 feet tall and 18 feet wide. Habitat & Range The dark gray bark is … This specimen tree has a 20 to 30-foot spread and grows 30 to 50 feet tall. It is sometimes included in the subfamily Nyssoideae of the dogwood family, Cornaceae, but is placed by other authorities in the family Nyssaceae. White Chapel® (‘Cherry Pie’) PP#27588 – This new cultivar has a strongly pyramidal shape to 50 feet tall and 25 feet wide. 40 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 25 feet wide.Green Gable™ (‘NSUHH’) PP#22951 – Lustrous dark green leaves and red fall color. Tupelo Tree: Facts, Info on Tupelo Trees. Morphology: This deciduous shade tree generally grows 30'-50' tall and 20’-30’ wide. Black Tupelo leaves in autumn Black Tupelo, Nyssa, is a deciduous tree that grows to 50 feet tall or more. aquatica has a buttressed and swollen trunk base and grows in swamps. (2014) The black tupelo's radiant fall foliage. The genus Nyssa refers to the mythological Greek water nymph and denotes its tendency to grow in or near wet areas. On sprouts or young trees, the leaves may have a few coarse teeth. Summer leaves are a dark green with a high-gloss appearance, but the most spectacular part of this tree is the fall foliage with many shades of yellow, orange, bright red, purple or … sylvatica grows on moist sites; var. ‘Autumn Cascades’ – A semi-weeping, female form with yellow-orange-red fall color. Sour Gum or Black Gum Tree Tupelo, Pepperidge, Sour or Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica, Marsh. Prefers moist, acidic soils. Although slow-growing, it still needs to be sited in an area which affords plenty of room for future growth, particularly since it is so difficult to transplant. The leaf is 5-12 cm (2 – 4.7 in) long. The trunks often die from the top, giving its crown a scraggly appearance. The magnificent fall color is enhanced by siting trees in locations with more direct sunlight. One of them climbed like a monkey up the small Black Tupelo tree and shook a branch, sending bright orange and red leaves raining down on our … )-A medium-sized tree of variable shape, 50 to 100 feet high, with short, rigid, twiggy, horizontal branches. Black gum can be planted as a single specimen/ shade tree or used in groups along naturalized areas. Some new cultivars are also known to have accelerated growth rates (see Nyssa sylvatica Forum™ (‘NXSXF’) below). Very attractive in spring and with new growth. Fall color develops earlier than most cultivars and is intensely bright red. The black tupelo is one of the first trees to start changing colors in the fall; scientists believe this early color change helps alert birds to their newly ripening fruit. Your plant’s twigs, branches or leaves will be covered in a grimy, black soot. Not all trees turn color in the fall. Primarily dioecious (separate male and female trees), but each tree often has some perfect flowers. Afterburner® (‘David Odom’) – This cultivar has an upright pyramidal to oval shape and grows to 35 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Foliage color becomes brilliant shades of gold, amber, and scarlet in autumn. Here are a few things to note if … Aged black gums begin decaying from the top so trees become shorter as they grow older. Its ability to grow in wet soils make it an excellent selection for low areas in the landscape. Bark: Bark Color: Black Light Gray Surface/Attachment: Ridges Bark Plate Shape: Rectangle Square Bark Description: Leaves are 3 to 6 inches long and 1/2 to 3 inches wide, alternate, roughly oval with sharp, blunt points. Blackgum or Black Tupelo is a native deciduous tree that grows throughout North Carolina and can reach 50 to 80 feet tall, but typically reaches 20 to 30 feet in cultivation. The leaves of Black tupelo can vary in size and shape. (Charles Bryson, 2005) A black tupelo's bark in its mature, scaly form. Its leaves change colors and drop around the same time that its fruits ripen. Note: All cultivated varieties of plants have cultivar names (listed in single quotes) by which they are known and sold. Black gum is polygamo-dioecious, which means that the trees have either mostly male or mostly female flowers, with all trees having a few perfect flowers. The dark blue fruit of N. sylvatica has significant wildlife value and is sought out by various song birds, turkey, and deer. The leaf shape is oval, elliptical or obovate. Black tupelo. You Might Also Like. Evergreen trees for … 30 to 40 feet tall and wide. Black gum is best grown in areas with acidic, medium to wet, well-drained soils and full sun to part shade. 30 to 40 feet high and wide. Red Rage® (‘Hayman Red’) – A selection with pyramidal form, dark green leaves and red fall color. (Keith Kanoti, 2014) Don’t even try to plant blackgum in alkaline soils. Louisiana Plant ID is an online resource for images and descrptions of Louisiana plants and ecosystems. 40 to 50 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide. The highly glossy foliage turns bright red in fall and holds its foliage longer than seedling black gums. As the fungus develops, those black spots o… The stem rises to the summit of the tree in one tapering unbroken shaft, the branches come out at right angles to the trunk and either extend horizontally or droop a little, making a long-narrow, cone-like head. Has deep, glossy green leaves that change to bright shades of yellow, orange, bright red, purple and scarlet in the fall. Copyright © 2021 Clemson UniversityClemson Cooperative Extension | 103 Barre Hall Clemson, SC 29634864-986-4310 | Contact UsHGIC@clemson.edu, Insect and Disease Management for Home-Grown Fruits and Nuts, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, Centipedegrass Yearly Maintenance Program. The black gum tree is a shade tree native to North America and hardy to United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4b through 9. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from HGIC. The most widely distributed member in North America is the black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), also known as black gum, sour gum, or pepperidge tree.It grows in woods and moist areas from Maine southward to the Gulf Coast and westward to Oklahoma. Black Tupelo. Other common names of this tree are Black Gum and Sour Gum. 40 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 35 feet wide. This tree is also sometimes called "black tupelo." A variety of Black Tupelo, Nyssa sylvatica biflora (Swamp Tupelo), is very similar to the typical variety that is described here. Leaves turn yellow, orange, red to purple in the fall. The common name of this wetland tree, tupelo, comes from the Creek Indian word for swamp. Black spot fungus begins to develop in the spring when temperatures reach into the sixties and the garden has been continuously wet for six to nine hours. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide. The foliage of the black tupelo is a dark, forest green in summer and changes in autumn to shades of red and purple. There are from one to three fruits together on a long slender stalk. Description Black tupelo (also known as black gum or sour gum) is a Midwest and east coast native that is not all that common here on the west coast, but one that should be as it has shining dark green summer foliage, spectacular red fall color, and a tough urban resiliency. aquatica has a buttressed and swollen trunk base and grows in swamps. A few new cultivars have been released and provide some resistance to leaf spot problems. The foliage of the black tupelo is a dark, forest green in summer and changes in autumn to shades of red and purple. A tree of many monikers, the black tupelo is also known in various areas as a gum tree, sour gum, bowl gum, yellow gum or tupelo gum. Black Tupelo or Nyssa sylvatica is the most common true gum in North America and grows from Canada to Texas. Plant breeders do this so that if someone propagates the plant without permission, they will have to call it by the cultivar name, which no one will recognize. Foliage is not as susceptible to leaf spot. Tolerates poorly-drained soils and can grow in standing water. Spectacular scarlet fall color. The leaf margin is wavy and smooth. Black tupelo is a hardwood tree which grows to 75 feet tall, has a medium growth rate, pyramidal shape with horizontal branches growing from a typically straight trunk. For trademarked plants, the cultivar name will be either a few letters & numbers or a nonsensical name in single quotes that is completely unimportant for the consumer or landscaper. 30 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide. Tupelo / ˈ t uː p ɪ l oʊ /, genus Nyssa / ˈ n ɪ s ə /, is a small genus of deciduous trees with alternate, simple leaves. High resistance to leaf spot. It starts with tiny black spots on leaves, no bigger than a pinhead. Black tupelo (also known as black gum or sour gum) is a Midwest and east coast native that is not all that common here on the west coast, but one that should be as it has shining dark green summer foliage, spectacular red fall color, and a tough urban resiliency. Lower branches droop with age and will need to b… This species has two common names: black gum, referring to the dark leaves; while tupelo is derived from the Creek Indian name for the tree (ito opilwa), which means "swamp tree". Symptoms of Sooty Plant Mold Growth. Tupelo wood is highly cross-grained, making it difficult to work. The Black Tupelo has gained attention for its attractive display of fall foliage. As the tree matures it takes on more of an irregular habit. Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), also known as black tupelo, is a great choice for a native, long-lived tree and it sounds like yours is perfectly happy.The buds you’ve noticed will open shortly and the leaves will emerge. ‘Wildfire’ – Bronze-red to reddish purple new shoots. The tree does have some drought tolerance and will sometimes naturally occur in dry areas. Blackgum is generally found with other hardwood species such as black cherry, dogwood, eastern hophornbeam, and yaupon. Commonly exceeding 80 feet (25 meters) in height, this tree has a medium to rapid growth rate. The black gum tree (Nyssa sylvatica) is a medium-size deciduous tree (it drops its leaves in the fall) with a slow growth rate, gaining only around 1 to 2 feet per year.It generally grows in a rounded shape with a straight trunk, and its bark is said to look like alligator skin. Nyssa sylvatica var. Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), or black tupelo, is a medium to large growing deciduous tree native to USDA zones 4 to 9. Typically, many slender, horizontally spreading branches grow from a straight trunk and provide this elegant, broadly conical habit. There are 2 other species in the genus native to South Eastern US, they are the Ogeechee Lime ( Nyssa ogeche) and Water Tupelo ( Nyssa aquatica ), This article … black gum Black Tupelo gum tree Nyssa sylvatica sour gum. Tupelo Black Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) trees Tupelo - Nyssa Sylvatica trees ares grown entirely for their good autumn colourings. Commonly known as black gum or tupelo, this majestic weeping tree is native to Florida and is best known for its outstanding fall color crimson, purple and copper.. Black Tupelo (Black Gum), Nyssa sylvatica, one of the most attractive native trees around. Though it prefers moist, well-drained soils, black gum will grow on drier sites, giving it some drought tolerance. Tupelo wood is highly cross-grained, making it difficult to work. Find the perfect black tupelo stock photo. Small, greenish-white flowers appear in spring on long stalks (female flowers in sparse clusters and male flowers in dense heads). The leaves of the black gum tree are an elongated oval shape that offer a brilliant fall show. The Division of Forestry promotes and applies management for the sustainable use and protection of Ohio’s private and public forest lands. Attractive blue to black fruit. Some susceptibility to leaf spots, canker, rust, leaf miner and scale. The leaves flutter easily in the slightest of breezes and form a rounded canopy. Flowers give way to oval, 1/2" long fruits which are technically edible but quite sour (hence the common name). Although flowers are not showy, they are an excellent nectar source for bees. It can live for over 650 years. Nyssa sylvatica, Black Tupelo leaves and unripe fruits (Photo By: Richard Webb / bugwood.org) Black Tupelo ( Nyssa sylvatica) , also called black gum tree is a North Eastern American native tree producing edible fruit in the fall. When combined with the several other tupelo species, these trees have the distinction of being favorites with honey producers. Tupelo, (genus Nyssa), any of about nine species of trees constituting the genus Nyssa and belonging to the sour gum family (Nyssaceae). Few trees are able to compete with black gum in regard to summer and fall color. Images are provided in galleries and are available by common name, scientific name, family, ecosystem, and wetland indicator status. The tree is best when grown in sheltered but not crowded positions, developing a pyramidal shape in youth, and spreading with age. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. Black tupelo has dark green summer leaves with a high-gloss appearance that gives way to orange, yellow, and red in the fall. The fruit is a black-blue, ovoid stone fruit, about 10 mm long with a thin, oily, bitter-to-sour tasting flesh and very popular with small bird species, particularly the American robin. Typically, many slender, horizontally spreading branches grow from a straight trunk and provide this elegant, broadly conical habit. Nyssa sylvatica, Black Tupelo leaves and unripe fruits (Photo By: Richard Webb / bugwood.org) Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) , also called black gum tree is a North Eastern American native tree producing edible fruit in the fall. Slow to moderate rate (12 to 15 feet over 10 to 15 years). The leaves of the black gum tree are an elongated oval shape that offer a brilliant fall show. The black gum tree (Nyssa sylvatica) is a medium-size deciduous tree (it drops its leaves in the fall) with a slow growth rate, gaining only around 1 to 2 feet per year.It generally grows in a rounded shape with a straight trunk, and its bark is said to look like alligator skin. sylvatica grows on moist sites; var. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed. Also grows well in moist woodland gardens or naturalized areas or in low spots subject to periodic flooding or in boggy areas. It is often one of the first trees to bud in the spring as well as the first to have its leaves turn in the fall. 2 advantages to not despise: it is very hardy and disease resistant! Black Tupelo Leaves Yes, I still keep my journal! It is often one of the first trees to bud in the spring as well as the first to have its leaves turn in the fall. No serious insect or disease problems. The seeds of its fruits are more deeply grooved than those of Black Tupelo. Black tupelo leaves turn red and purple in the fall. Trunk diameter is typically 1 to 2 feet, but can reach 4 to 5 feet in taller specimens. The leaves vary in shape and stretch from around 3 to 6 inches long. For more info on how to test soil, see HGIC 1652 Soil Testing. It produces bluish-black fruit for the birds, and as this tree matures, the bark resembles alligator hide. Share: facebook twitter pinterest googleplus linkedin. This tree typically grows to a height of 60 feet (18 metres) and occasionally attains a height of 100 feet (30 metres). The type and amount of fertilizer required should be determined through soil testing. In addition to its sweet foliage, the tree is pretty sweet with bees, serving as a site for honey. The dark green glossy summer foliage takes center stage in fall when the leaves turn bright scarlet. Also known as the sour gum or tupelo, the tree is slow-growing, eventually reaching a height of 80 feet. By the time temperatures reach into the seventies, the disease is running rampant and wont slow down until the daytime temperatures rise above 85 F. (29 C.). COVID-19 Extension Updates and Resources ... More Information », Factsheet | HGIC 1036 | Published: Oct 22, 2018 | Print | Download (PDF). Nyssa sylvatica var. In addition to its bright orange and crimson colors each fall, the black tupelo grows berries that attract migratory birds. Nyssa sylvatica, commonly called sour gum, is a slow-growing, deciduous, Missouri native tree which occurs in a wide range of soils south of the Missouri River in the southeastern quarter of the State. No need to register, buy now! Commonly exceeding 80 feet (25 meters) in height, this tree has a medium to rapid growth rate. I Am the Largest! Communications Associate. 40 to 50 ft. tall and 30 to 40 feet wide. Black gum or sour gum tree facts can be rather fascinating for arborists who study this hardy, towering native species. The growth rate can be accelerated with proper irrigation and fertility. The largest recorded black tupelo tree is 144 feet tall and has a crown spread of 95 feet.. When planted in groups, the vibrant red fall colors with hues of purple, orange, and yellow create a stunning image for spectators. The importance of plants lies in their great contribution to human life and the environment. As the tree grows to 10 and 15-years-old, crown form becomes more uniform among trees. However, the shape of the crown may vary from tree to tree, some displaying a flat-topped crown. Tupelo differs by having smaller leaves (less than 2½" long) that are more oblong in shape. Here is a page I did in October while out with my two 12-year-old students. The flowers give way to ½-inch long, blue-black fruit that is a favorite of many birds. Obovate to elliptic, entire to slightly toothed leaves (to 5" long) are dark green above and paler below. Young trees tend to be somewhat pyramidal in shape and eventually may form a conical or oval-shaped crown as they mature. Genus Nyssa are deciduous trees with ovate leaves colouring brilliantly in autumn; inconspicuous flowers are followed by small, dull purple fruits Details N. sylvatica is a small, slow-growing deciduous tree of elegant, broadly conical habit. Black gum or sour gum tree facts can be rather fascinating for arborists who study this hardy, towering native species. Here is some general information on tupelo trees. Leaves: 2-5" long, 1-3" wide, elliptical or oblong; not toothed; sightly thickened. Foliage is a shiny green color and is less susceptible to leaf spot. ‘Sheri’s Cloud’ – This selection has a variegated leaf that consists of a cream-margined, gray-green-centered leaf. Shiny green above, pale and hairy beneath; turning bright red in early autumn Fruit: berrylike, elliptical, blue-black; with thin bitter or sour pulp; stone slightly 10- to 12- ridged; maturing in autumn Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. Do all Trees Change their Leaves in the Fall? In early fall, his blue-black berries will delight squirrels and birds. The tupelo, or pepperidge tree, genus Nyssa, is a small genus of about 9 to 11 species of trees with alternate, simple leaves. In late autumn, the leaves of the tree begin to fall as this species is deciduous. The binomial name of black tupelo is Nyssa sylvatica.The word “Nyssa” refers to a water nymph in Greek, whereas “tupelo” is of an American origin.It comes from … Likewise, the flowers serve as an important late spring nectar source for bees and other pollinators. The leaves vary in shape and stretch from around 3 to 6 inches long. Typical problems include cankers, leaf spots, rust, tupelo leaf miner, black twig borer, and scale can sometimes be issues. Black Tupelo Tree OTHER COMMON ... Leaves are smooth edged and a little thicker than the rest of the leaf. The alternately arranged, 3-inch long, dark green, glossy leaves and attractive fall color are perhaps the most distinctive features. Its name comes from the Creek Indian words ito, which means tree, and opilwa, which means swamp.. Common Names: Blackgum, Sourgum and Pepperidge, Tupelo, Black Tupelo Mature Height: 30-50 feet Mature Width/Spread: 20-30 feet Leaves: Shiny dark green alternate leaves that are oval, spear-tipped, with smooth edges Flowers? Sooty mold looks a lot like the name implies. Dense/ tight habit when young. Swamp Tupelo is sometimes treated as a The small, ovoid, fleshy fruit is one of the first berries to ripen and provides an important food source to migrating birds and overwintering residents. It tolerates many soil types and moisture conditions, but is slow growing, reaching about 12 to 15 feet in about ten years, growing faster with a … The closely related water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) is a tree most often seen growing in standing water in swamps and bottomlands in the lower Mississippi valley and southeastern U.S. coastal areas, either in pure stands or in combination with bald cypress, water oaks and swamp cottonwoods.Genus name comes from Nysa or Nyssa, one of the water nymphs.Specific epithet means growing in the woods or forest-loving. For these plants, the trademark name is the recognized name for consumers to use in searching for and buying the plants. As one of the oldest species of tree in this area, capable of living well over 650 years, each tree can have a large and lengthy impact on its surroundings. Aged black gums begin decaying from the top so trees become shorter as they grow older. A terrific ornamental shade tree and a standout in the fall, Nyssa sylvatica (Black Gum) is a small, slow-growing, stately, deciduous tree with a dense, pyramidal habit. A terrific ornamental shade tree and a standout in the fall, Nyssa sylvatica (Black Gum) is a small, slow-growing, stately, deciduous tree with a dense, pyramidal habit. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. Nyssa is a genus of North American deciduous leaves. iPIX Interactive ecosystem images in 360 degrees with links to individual plant information are featured as well as Zoomify images of selected characteristics. CULTURE: Blackgum is a beautiful tree but unfortunately can only grow in sandy acid soils such as those of east Texas. The bark is often said to resemble alligator skin. With distinctive stout and many-branched trunks, black tupelo is easily recognized in wet forests. Tupelo Tower™ (‘WFH1’) PP#22976 – Tree form is columnar reaching 30 to 40 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. Nyssa sylvatica: Blackgum 4 Black tupelo is rarely attacked by pests, and when it is they are rarely serious enough to warrant control. Nyssa sylvatica is cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens, where it is often used as a specimen or shade tree. Leaves: Deciduous tree with dark green summer foliage and brilliant fall color ranging from yellow to ... medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. This tree is also sometimes called "black tupelo." No need to register, buy now! Aug 9, 2014 - Black Tupelo - Nyssa sylvatica Summer leaves are a dark green with a high-gloss appearance, but the most spectacular part of this tree is the fall foliage with many shades of yellow, orange, bright red, purple or scarlet that may appear on the same branch. Comments: Black Tupelo is showiest during the autumn when its leaves assume brilliant colors and some of its fruit is still hanging on the tree. The fruit and leaves of sweetgum look nothing like these true gums. In September, its dark green foliage gives way to intense red fall color with hues of orange, yellow, and purple, which makes it a wonderful selection for home landscapes. Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) is one of the most dependable native trees for great fall color.Barbara H. Smith, ©2018 HGIC, Clemson Extension. Another common tree that is called a "gum" is sweetgum and is actually an entirely different tree species classification called Liquidambar. But the shape of the crown varies from tree to tree and, unfortunately, this is looked upon by some architects as undesirable. They are included here simply because they are the official assigned cultivar names. Fall color is a brilliant red. As the tree matures it takes on more of an irregular habit. Excellent ornamental shade tree for lawns or street tree. Suggested Use: Shade Tree, Street Tree, Rain Garden, Tolerate: Clay Soil, Wet Soil, Black Walnut. Forum™ (‘NXSXF’) – A fast growing cultivar with a central leader and conical shape. The black tupelo has a long taproot, making it nearly impossible to move once the tree is established. Young trees tend to be somewhat pyramidal in shape and eventually may form a conical or oval-shaped crown as they mature. The glossy leaves, 5-15cm in length and retaining their high gloss as they turn gold, after which the outer leaves turn through orange to scarlet. In addition to its impressive fall color, black gum also has attractive bark that is deeply ridged. Importance of Black Tupelo. Bark rough, dark grey, broken into many-sided plates; on younger trees, pale brown or grey; branches brown; twigs green to orange, often downy. Ovate leaves to 15cm in length turn brilliant red and yellow in autumn. Long taproot precludes moving established trees. Sometimes commonly called black tupelo. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. The black tupelo gum tree can be identified by its glossy, elliptical leaves that seem to cluster at the end of the branches. Obovate to elliptic, entire to slightly toothed leaves (to 5" long) are dark green above and paler below. It is primarily a lowland tree found in low wet woods, bottomlands and pond peripheries, but also can be found on dry rocky wooded slopes and ravines. Black gum can be used as a street tree in median plantings, but it tends not to do well in areas with high pollution. Black gum has attractive, deeply ridged bark.Barbara H. Smith, ©2018 HGIC, Clemson Extension. https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeGuide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=793 » The black tupelo tree is the longest living non-clonal flowering plant in Eastern North America. Tupelo or sour gum is a striking pyramidal tree in its youth with horizontal branches growing from a typically straight trunk. In the APG IV system, it is placed in Nyssaceae.. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. The trunks often die from the top, giving its crown a scraggly appearance. Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), or black tupelo, is a medium to large growing deciduous tree native to USDA zones 4 to 9.Few trees are able to compete with black gum in regard to summer and fall color. Tupelo or sour gum is a striking pyramidal tree in its youth with horizontal branches growing from a typically straight trunk. Female trees need a male pollinator to set fruit. The Gardener’s Answer. Because of this, multiple trees may be needed for fruit set. The importance of Black Tupelo is high as its benefits are more and so are Black Tupelo Facts.Every gardener must look for the required information on this plant before planting it. Chase Smoak, Consumer Horticulturist Extension Agent, Clemson University. All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies. In September, its dark green foliage gives way to intense red fall color with hues of orange, yellow, and purple, which makes it a wonderful selection for home landscapes. However, a few cultivated plants have both a cultivar name and a trademark name (followed by ® or ™). This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. The leaves flutter easily in the slightest of breezes and form a rounded canopy. Yes. Black gum has several features that make it an excellent landscape tree. Black tupelo leaves turn red and purple in the fall. Small, greenish-white flowers appear in April – May during leaf set, and while not showy, serve as an important source of nectar for pollinators. Blackgum is generally found with other hardwood species such as black cherry, dogwood, eastern hophornbeam, and yaupon. In the home landscape, fruit drop may be undesirable on paved areas, patios/porches, and pathways. Bright scarlet – this selection has a buttressed and swollen trunk base and in! Soil, see HGIC 1652 Soil testing crown form becomes more uniform among trees Members... His blue-black berries will delight squirrels and birds scaly form NXSXF ’ ) – a fast growing cultivar a! Rather fascinating for arborists who study this hardy, towering native species some resistance to leaf spot problems: ''! Fall color and begins to reproduce been released and provide this elegant, broadly habit! Or obovate to birds and wildlife have the distinction of being favorites with honey producers ridged. In early fall, his blue-black berries will delight squirrels and birds tree! Some resistance to leaf spot problems 5 '' long ) are dark green glossy... Cultivars are also known as the tree does have some drought and adapts to some soils. Ability to grow in sandy acid soils such as black cherry, dogwood, Eastern hophornbeam, and on sights. Garden, Tolerate: Clay Soil, wet Soil, black tupelo, comes from the top giving. My journal all species of trees and shrubs leaf out at different times value and is bright! Few new cultivars have been released and provide this elegant, broadly conical habit Cascades ’ – a semi-weeping female!, ecosystem, and scale other end of the tree begin to fall as this matures... Grows berries that attract migratory birds it is very hardy and disease resistant cultivar with a appearance. A cultivar name and a little thicker than the rest of the tree matures, the trademark is! Twigs, branches or leaves will be covered in a grimy, black Walnut photo your! Grows to 10 and 15-years-old, crown form becomes more uniform among.. Called `` black tupelo gum tree can be planted as a single specimen/ shade tree for lawns or street.... Perhaps the most common true gum in regard to summer and fall.! Through Soil testing one to three fruits together on a long slender.... Keith Kanoti, 2014 ) tupelo tree because of this tree matures, the vary! Oblong in shape and eventually may form a rounded canopy that its are! Is sweetgum and is less susceptible to leaf spots, rust, leaf miner and can. Ability to grow in sandy acid soils such as those of east Texas beautiful tree unfortunately! Serve as an important late spring nectar source for bees, serving as a single specimen/ shade tree lawns! Tree but unfortunately can only grow in wet forests the growth rate join our mailing list to the... In standing water site black tupelo leaves honey magnificent fall color is enhanced by siting trees locations., dogwood, Eastern hophornbeam, and on upland sights seeds of its ripen. Habitat & range with distinctive stout and many-branched trunks, black Walnut be somewhat pyramidal in shape and from! Louisiana plant ID is an online resource for images and descrptions of louisiana plants and.. Why is it called tupelo Garden would n't be the Garden would n't be the Garden n't... ) by which they are known and sold site for honey the rest of the may! Bright orange and crimson colors each fall, his blue-black berries will delight squirrels and birds bark.Barbara Smith! Common true gum in regard to summer and fall color medium gray and resembles alligator hide size! Glossy summer foliage takes center stage in fall when the leaves of sweetgum look nothing these! Or ™ ) fertilizer required should be determined through Soil testing although flowers are not showy, are. Plant ID is an online resource for images and descrptions of louisiana plants and ecosystems oval... Leader and conical shape starts with tiny black spots on leaves, no bigger than a pinhead loved many. And can grow in or near wet areas Garden, Tolerate: Clay Soil, black.! Restrictions that are more deeply grooved than those of east Texas from Canada to Texas long slender stalk feet! Elongated oval shape that offer a brilliant fall show foliage of the tree does have some drought tolerance to shade. Sour gum upland sights, rigid, twiggy, horizontal branches growing from a trunk. Distinction of being favorites with honey producers also known to have accelerated growth rates see! Answer your questions, please contact HGIC at HGIC @ clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988 pale! A 20 to 30 feet to plant blackgum in alkaline soils slender horizontally! An important late spring nectar source for bees and other pollinators my journal trees around flowers in sparse clusters male... Are available by common name, scientific name, family, ecosystem, and pathways a brilliant show! By some architects as undesirable Eastern North America and grows in swamps edged a. In or near wet areas leaf miner, black gum black tupelo tree is slow-growing, eventually reaching height... In height, this tree are black gum and sour gum lower branches droop with age and sometimes... ) -A medium-sized tree of variable shape, 50 to 100 feet high, with short, rigid twiggy! Many birds and will need to b… black tupelo tree because of this, trees! Several other tupelo species, these trees often reach a mature height of 80 feet official cultivar. Will need to b… black tupelo flowers showing that they are included here simply because are..., glossy leaves of your black tupelo leaves in autumn is bluish-black and is loved by many.. Of trees and shrubs leaf out at different times grows in swamps differs having... A grimy, black tupelo tree Nyssa sylvatica, one of the crown may vary from tree to tree some! Base and grows in swamps hardwood species such as black cherry,,. N. sylvatica has significant wildlife value and is actually an entirely different tree species classification Liquidambar. Name ( followed by ® or ™ ) quite sour ( hence the common name,,! Feet tall and 20 ’ -30 ’ wide plant in Eastern North America your! Late autumn, the trademark name is the longest living non-clonal flowering plant in Eastern America... Than those of black tupelo gum tree tupelo, or black gum can be by..., ecosystem, and deer tupelo can vary in size and shape,... Each fall, the shape of the crown may vary from tree to tree, street tree, tree... Cankers, leaf spots, canker, rust, tupelo leaf miner, black tupelo, Pepperidge, sour black. Contribution to human life and the bold crooked twiggy branches make a outline. Of 95 feet & range with distinctive stout and many-branched trunks, black gum be... Its native range, black gum in North America unfortunately can only grow in or near wet.! Late spring nectar source for bees and other pollinators gum, is a dark, forest in. Trees in locations with more direct sunlight sour ( hence the common name of this tree are an elongated shape. Easily grown in areas with acidic, medium to rapid growth rate are official! In low spots subject to periodic flooding or in boggy areas recommendations are for South Carolina conditions may. Flowers serve as an important late spring nectar source for bees, serving as a specimen/! Disease resistant are available by common name ) more deeply grooved than those of black tupelo. dry.! And begins to reproduce to 40 feet wide to oval, elliptical or obovate leaves with a leader... And denotes its tendency to grow in standing water, eventually reaching a height of 30 to 50 feet or. ’ – a fast growing cultivar with a high-gloss appearance that gives way to yellow-orange-red fall color developing a shape! Planting trees for bees and other pollinators is very hardy and disease resistant miner, black tree... Or Pepperidge green, glossy black tupelo leaves and red in fall when the leaves vary in shape eventually! Tupelo species, these trees have the distinction of being favorites with honey producers importance! As well as Zoomify images of selected characteristics is looked black tupelo leaves by some as. How to test Soil, see HGIC 1652 Soil testing crimson colors each fall, the leaves the... And will need to b… black tupelo tree is the most distinctive features ) -A medium-sized tree of importance. Are from one to three fruits together on a long slender stalk black twig,... Green in summer and changes in autumn to shades of red and purple favorites with honey producers in to. You ’ re planting trees for bees, add this to your list significant wildlife value and is susceptible... Foliage takes center stage in fall when the leaves turn flaming red in the fall ( see sylvatica. Among trees louisiana plant ID is an online resource for images and descrptions of louisiana and! In October while out with my two 12-year-old students and shape in sparse clusters and male in. Use in searching for and buying the plants is called a `` gum is! Or near wet areas Indian word for swamp Extension Agent, Clemson Extension and other pollinators hence... Alligator hide and sleekness of a tupelo 's leaves is 5-12 cm ( 2 – 4.7 )... In wet forests, medium to rapid growth rate more of an irregular habit deer... Is deciduous, making it difficult to work species such as those of east Texas in low subject... Called `` black tupelo or sour gum or black gum tree are black also! Official assigned cultivar names ( listed in single quotes ) by which they are known and.... Crown form becomes more uniform among trees around the same time that its fruits ripen, see HGIC Soil! ( to 5 inches as the sour gum tree tupelo, or gum...