Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), also known as Black Gum, is a striking deciduous tree native to eastern North America, renowned for its brilliant autumn colour—shifting from deep green to glowing shades of crimson, orange, and purple. Its symmetrical, pyramidal form and glossy foliage make it a standout feature in gardens, parks, and wetland plantings. Culturally significant to Native American communities.
- Flowers: Small, greenish-white, inconspicuous, mildly fragrant; appear in spring (October–November)
- Size: 10–15 m high × 6–10 m wide
- Uses: Ornamental feature tree, autumn colour
- Attributes: Hardy, tolerates wet soils and brief drought; slow to moderate growth; reliable and long-lived
- Features: Glossy dark green foliage turns brilliant red-orange in autumn; blocky grey bark with age; bluish-black berries
- Also known as: Black Gum, Sour Gum, Nyssa multiflora (synonym)
References:
Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (6th ed.). Stipes Publishing.
Grimshaw, J., & Bayton, R. (2009). New Trees: Recent Introductions to Cultivation. Kew Publishing.
Missouri Botanical Garden (2024)
