Taxon

Nyssa sylvatica

 
1 / 49
  Next
Nyssa sylvatica - Black Tupelo, Common Tupelo Tree, Sour Gum, Blackgum
.
Common name: Black Tupelo, Common Tupelo Tree, Sour Gum, Blackgum
Family: Cornaceae (Dogwood)
Distribution: S Ontario, C and E USA to Mexico
Habitat: Swamps, low moist woods, and well-drained upland habitats; 0-1100 meters
Hardiness: -40 - 30 F
Life form: Deciduous tree
Bloom Time: May to June
Attracts: Birds and butterflies
Fall color: Red, in late September.
Foliage characteristics: Simple, alternate, obovate to elliptic, leathery leaves with entire to slightly toothed margins. 5" long. Dark green above and paler below.
Fruit characteristics: Oval drupes mature to a dark blue color, and are edible, although very sour. .5" long. Ripens in September.
Bark characteristics: Red-brown and broken into deep irregular ridges and diamond-shaped plates.
Average height: 30-50'
Structure: Oval, pyramidal, round.
Bloom characteristics: Male flowers grow in dense heads and female flowers grow in sparse clusters. Both are small, greenish-white, and grow on long stalks.
Dioecious: Yes, but may have some perfect flowers.
Description: The black tupelo’s scientific name is doubly descriptive for this water-loving forest tree. Nyssa comes from Nysa or Nyssa, the name of a Greek water nymph, while sylvatica means forest-dwelling.
Links: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder • The Morton Arboretum • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Locations

Cluster Area Area
Individual Individual