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Black Tupelo

Black Tupelo

Black Tupelo

(Black Gum, Sour Gum)                            

Nyssa Sylvatica

A medium size tree native to eastern USA and occurring infrequently in southern Ontario. Rarely planted in New Brunswick. Attractive, shiny, dark-green leaves in summer giving way to a fall show of scarlet red. Fruit provides important food for local wildlife. Male and female flowers are usually on separate trees but sometimes has ‘perfect’ flowers on the same tree. Flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects providing a source of nectar. Only trees with female flowers will produce fruit. It’s best to plant at least 2 trees to boost chance of successful fruit production.

Additional information

Foliage

Deciduous

Locale

Native to North America

Height

Medium (30-60ft)

Width

Moderate

Form

Oval, Pyramidal

Growth Rate

Slow

Longevity

Long (over 100 years)

Hardiness Zones *

4, 5

Sun Exposure

Full Sun (over 6 hrs), Partial Sun (4 to 6 hrs)

Soil Preferences *

Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining

Soil Tolerances

Clay, Dry, Wet

Other Tolerances

Occasional Drought, Occasional Flooding, Road Salt

Ornamental Interest

Leaves (colour)

Wildlife Value

Bees (flowers), Birds (fruits/seeds), Insect Pollinators (flowers), Small Mammals (fruits/seeds)

Human Value

Carpentry (wood)

Seed Collection

Ordered Online

Planting Considerations

Intolerant of Alkaline Soil, Intolerant of Urban Pollution