Trees
You are here: Home → Trees → Tree Guide → Tree Details

Black Tupelo (Black Gum) Nyssa sylvatica

One of the most attractive native trees around. 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. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. Makes a strong specimen tree. Grows 30'-50' high, with a 20'-30' spread. Prefers well-drained, acid soils, and full sun to partial shade.

Try this tree in your yard:

Add to Cart

click icons for more informationShow AllHide All

Zones 4 - 9
Zones 4 - 9

Hardiness Zones: Zones 4 - 9
The Black Tupelo (Black Gum) can be expected to grow in the zones shown in color in the arborday.org zone map. VIEW MAP

Shade Tree
Shade Tree

Type of tree:
The Black Tupelo (Black Gum) falls into the following type(s): Shade Trees

30' - 50' High
30' - 50' High

Mature Height:
The Black Tupelo (Black Gum) grows to be 30' - 50' feet in height.

20' - 30' Spread
20' - 30' Spread

Mature Spread:
The Black Tupelo (Black Gum) has a spread of about 20' - 30' at full maturity.

Slow to Medium Growth
Slow to Medium Growth

Growth Rate:
This tree grows at a slow to medium growth rate. [More about this.]

Full Sun
Full Sun

Sun:
This Black Tupelo (Black Gum) does well in full sun, partial shade.

Various Soils
Various Soils

Soil:
The Black Tupelo (Black Gum) grows in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam, well drained soils.

Oval Shape
Oval Shape

Shape:
This Black Tupelo (Black Gum) has oval, rounded shape.

More Info
More Info

Description:
One of the most attractive native trees around. 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. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. Makes a strong specimen tree. Grows 30'-50' high, with a 20'-30' spread. Prefers well-drained, acid soils, and full sun to partial shade.