Black Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica
Also listed as Nyssa canadensis, Nyssa caroliniana
Also known as Black Gum, Pepperidge, Sour Gum
Climate Match for your location
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Black Tupelo is a native deciduous tree prized for its stunning crimson to purple fall foliage and elegant pyramidal form. It thrives in moist soils and is excellent for providing seasonal color in naturalistic landscapes.
Why grow it
Black Tupelo offers reliable fall color intensity that rivals other native deciduous trees, with foliage shifting through shades of red and purple before leaf drop. Unlike some ornamentals that demand perfect conditions, this species tolerates a range of soil types provided moisture is adequate, making it suitable for rain gardens, stream margins, and naturalized plantings where seasonal flooding occurs. It also provides wildlife value through small fruit that persists into winter, supporting migratory birds.
Watch out for
Establishing young trees requires consistent moisture during the first few growing seasons; transplanting can be slow and setback is common if the root system is severely disturbed. The species has a deep taproot system, so container-grown specimens may struggle if not carefully root-pruned before planting. Foliage color intensity varies with weather patterns and site conditions, so vibrant fall display is not guaranteed in all years or locations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Nyssaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Black Tupelo is a native deciduous tree prized for its stunning crimson to purple fall foliage and elegant pyramidal form. It thrives in moist soils and is excellent for providing seasonal color in naturalistic landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Black Tupelo grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Black Tupelo offers reliable fall color intensity that rivals other native deciduous trees, with foliage shifting through shades of red and purple before leaf drop. Unlike some ornamentals that demand perfect conditions, this species tolerates a range of soil types provided moisture is adequate, making it suitable for rain gardens, stream margins, and naturalized plantings where seasonal flooding occurs. It also provides wildlife value through small fruit that persists into winter, supporting migratory birds.
Watch out for
Establishing young trees requires consistent moisture during the first few growing seasons; transplanting can be slow and setback is common if the root system is severely disturbed. The species has a deep taproot system, so container-grown specimens may struggle if not carefully root-pruned before planting. Foliage color intensity varies with weather patterns and site conditions, so vibrant fall display is not guaranteed in all years or locations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Nyssaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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