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Black Tupelo - Nyssa sylvatica
Black Tupelo - Nyssa sylvatica
Black Tupelo - Nyssa sylvatica
Black Tupelo - Nyssa sylvatica
Black Tupelo - Nyssa sylvatica
Black Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica
Picture of Black Tupelo

Black Tupelo

Zones: 4 - 9
$18.99 Regular Price
Not a member? Join during checkout to save up to 33% on trees in our Tree Nursery with member pricing.
With proper planting and care, we’re here to support your success for 60 days after delivery (shipping fees not included).
Select an option for shipping dates
Bare Root or Potted?

Called “one of the best and most consistent native trees for fall color” by tree expert Michael Dirr, the black tupelo is a terrific landscaping choice. Displaying various hues of yellow, orange, bright red and purple—often on the same branch—its foliage is a stand-out of the autumn season. Even the distinctive bark, which resembles alligator hide, adds visual and textural interest.

  • Is known as one of the most attractive trees
  • Provides stunning fall color in many shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple
  • Develops bark that furrows with age, resembling alligator hide
  • Serve as an important food source for bees, birds, and other wildlife
Horticulture Zone Map Source Logos
The Black Tupelo grows in zones 4 - 9

Your Tree’s Personality

Shape

Oval

Growth Speed

Slow to Medium

Scientific Name

Nyssa sylvatica

Mature Spread

20' - 30'

Mature Height

30' - 50'

Sun Preference

Full Sun, Partial Sun/Shade

Soil Preference

Acidic, Loamy, Moist, Rich, Sandy, Silty Loam, Well Drained

Wildlife Value

The fruit of the black tupelo attracts many birds and wildlife. It also provides nutrition for bees in early to late spring.

History/Lore

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. Still others call it beetlebung, stinkwood, wild peartree or pepperidge.

When combined with the several other tupelo species, these trees have the distinction of being favorites with honey producers. The resulting honey is light and mild-tasting, fetching a high price, especially in Florida where it is a million dollar business annually.

Planting Instructions

Bare-Root Tree

Bare-root trees are shipped without soil around their roots. They are shipped when dormant (sleep state). In this dormant state, deciduous trees may display small buds but not leaves. Roots will come coated in a hydrating gel. Bare-root trees require more attention and care initially to ensure they remain properly watered and protected from extreme weather conditions.

Benefits:
  • Cost-effective
  • Roots re-establish quickly once planted, meaning growth will begin faster
  • Easy to plant at the correct depth
Potted Tree

Potted trees are available in a variety of sizes. Because the roots are packed in soil, the trees do not need to be dormant for shipping. Potted trees often have a more established appearance with leaves and foliage, providing an immediate visual impact on the landscape.

Benefits:
  • Reduced transplant shock
  • Extended shipping/planting season
  • Higher survivability
Which Tree is Right for Me?

With the option of ordering either standard or semi-dwarf trees and either bare-root or potted, be sure to consider the benefits of each option when deciding which is best for you.

Standard Height

Benefits:
  • Also functions as a shade tree
  • Can be planted farther from compatible pollinator
  • Fills a larger space

Semi-Dwarf Height

Benefits:
  • Easier to harvest fruit
  • Bears fruit sooner
  • Fits in a smaller space

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