Black Gum (Black Tupelo)
Nyssa sylvatica

Foliage: Forest Green
Fall Foliage: Orange and Red
Fruit: Drupe
Habit/Form: Pyramidal
Uses​: Accent, Shade, Residential and Parks, Street Tree

Zone Hardiness: 4 
Plant Height: 40 ft
Plant Width: 25  ft
Light: Sun/Part Shade
Growth Rate:  Slow

Black gum or black tupelo is a spectacular and reliable medium-sized, deciduous tree. The black gum is grown as an ornamental for its beautiful, scarlet red and orange fall color and for its shiny, forest green leaves in the summer. ​Distinct horizontal branching structure with mature bark that has thick blocky ridges, similar to alligator skin. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success. It will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. This tree is an excellent choice to support wildlife in the landscape. ​Tupelo is native to eastern North America from New England and southern Ontario.
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