Black Tupelo is polygamo-dioecious, producing male and either female or perfect flowers on separate trees. across, consisting of a shallow green calyx with barely discernible teeth, insignificant green petals, and 5-10 spreading stamens with long filaments. The black gum tree, also referred to as the black tupelo or sour gum, is slow growing and has a pleasing rounded form when it is lush with foliage in the spring as well as when its branches are bare in the winter. It’s bark is dark grey and flaky when young but becomes furrowed with age. E: geldern@vdberk.de known as a beetle, used for hammeting the bungs (stoppers) into wine barrels. Makes a strong specimen tree. This typically medium-sized tree sometimes grows to 90 or 100 feet in height. JSTOR Plants Database. The leaves of the black gum tree are an elongated oval shape that offer a brilliant fall show. Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as tupelo, black tupelo, black gum or sour gum, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern North America from the coastal Northeastern United States and southern Ontario south to central Florida and eastern Texas, as well as Mexico. This species has two common names: black gum, referring to the dark leaves; while tupelo is derived from the Creek Indian name for the tree (ito opilwa), which means "swamp tree". Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. Maryland Distribution: A canopy tree commonly found in forests of wet to average moisture. AKA Black gum tree, Tupelo tree, Black tupelo tree, Sourgum, Pepperidge, Beetlebung This deciduous tree is found throughout the United States, mostly east of the Mississippi on the continental US and in southern Ontario, but also with significant populations in Lousiana, Missouri, and Texas. It has many of the same characteristics and uses as black tupelo. Tupelo wood is highly cross-grained, making it difficult to work. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide. But it can also grow to become a tall tree in less moist areas. The bark of a younger tree is smooth almost like a cherry and gets rougher with age. soil it does have the ability to grow in standing water. Nyssa sylvatica, Black Tupelo leaves and unripe fruits (Photo By: Richard Webb / bugwood.org) Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) , also called black gum tree is a North Eastern American native tree producing edible fruit in the fall. The common name of this wetland tree, tupelo, comes from the Creek Indian word for swamp. The trees typically reach 9–15 metres (30–50 feet) or more in height. Black gum is a tall tree with horizontal branches and a flat-topped crown. The colour depends on the type of soil. Our clientele includes landscapers, landscape architects and garden designers, as well as major construction firms. soil it does have the ability to grow in standing water. The glossy leaves are oval to inverse ovoid. FOLIAGE: Simple, alternate leaves that are shiny and dark green in the summer, brilliant red in the fall. The fruit of the black tupelo attracts many birds and wildlife. This tree naturally occurs in swampy areas in the eastern regions of North America. There are 2 other species in the genus native to South Eastern US, they are the Ogeechee Lime (Nyssa ogeche) and Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), This article … With distinctive stout and many-branched trunks, black tupelo is easily recognized in wet forests. The fruit of the black tupelo attracts many birds and wildlife. The botanical name of this plant is Nyssa sylvatica, and common names include sourgum and beetlebung.This medium sized tree is a member of the dogwood family. Description Black tupelo (also known as black gum or sour gum) is a Midwest and east coast native that is not all that common here on the west coast, but one that should be as it has shining dark green summer foliage, spectacular red fall color, and a tough urban resiliency. A black tupelo is a deciduous tree. The black tupelo is one of the first trees to start changing colors in the fall; scientists believe this early color change helps alert birds to their newly ripening fruit. Leaves are smooth edged and a little thicker than the rest of the leaf. The common name tupelo is of Native American origin, coming from the Creek words ito ‘tree’ and opilwa ‘swamp’. Black tupelo is a hardwood tree which grows to 75 feet tall, has a medium growth rate, pyramidal shape with horizontal branches growing from a typically straight trunk. Distribution: Eastern North America. F: +49 (0) 4483 - 930 50 14 The word “Nyssa” refers to a water nymph in Greek, whereas “tupelo” is of an American origin. It is a highly adaptable tree, growing about a foot each year in nearly all conditions. 12 m. Young branches have round lenticels. Grows 30'-50' high, with a 20'-30' spread. Average Dried Weight: 34 lbs/ft 3 (545 kg/m 3) Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):.46, .55. Young trees tend to be somewhat pyramidal in shape and eventually may form a conical or oval-shaped crown as they mature. The roots grow very deeply, making the tree difficult to transplant. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide. As the tree ages, its distinctive bark … Male flowers are produced in small umbels on slender peduncles about ½-1" long. When combined with the several other tupelo species, these trees have the distinction of being favorites with honey producers. As the tree ages, its distinctive bark … Black Tupelo. Tupelo or sour gum is a striking pyramidal tree in its youth with horizontal branches growing from a typically straight trunk. Trunk diameter is typically 1 to 2 feet, but can reach 4 to 5 feet in taller specimens. Bark: gray or dark brown; thick, rough, deeply furrowed into rectangular or irregular ridges Shape: dense, conical or sometimes flat-topped crown, many slender nearly horizontal branches Small greenish white flowers are borne in clusters on long stalks and are an important nectar source for bees. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide. Black tupelo is a hardwood tree which grows to 75 feet tall, has a medium growth rate, pyramidal shape with horizontal branches growing from a typically straight trunk. Often crowded toward the tips of branches. Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as tupelo, black tupelo, black gum or sour gum, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern North America from the coastal Northeastern United States and southern Ontario south to central Florida and eastern Texas, as well as Mexico. It’s bark is dark grey and flaky when young but becomes furrowed with age. Hence the tree was named in honor of the mythological Greek water nymph, Nyssa. W: www.vdberk.de. The leaves flutter easily in the slightest of breezes and form a rounded canopy. USDA Department of Agriculture. Black Tupelo 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. The black tupelo is also known as the blackgum, sourgum, or Pepperidge tree. How to Care for a Black Gum Tree. In summer they are shiny dark green above and downy below. 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. Sometimes commonly called black tupelo. 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. Black Tupelo is a native shade tree that is underutilized in landscapes, and is primarily known for its spectacular autumn colors. As the tree grows to 10 and 15-years-old, crown form being very popular with small birds it’s flowers which are produced in greenish-white clusters at the top of a long stalk, produce nectar which Comments: Black Tupelo is showiest during the autumn when its leaves assume brilliant colors and some of its fruit is still hanging on the tree. In the autumn, the black tupelo displays a range of brilliant orange, red, and purple fall color. Nyssa sylvatica, also known as tupelo or the Black Gum Tree is a ornamental conical slow growing medium sized tree with Nyssa sylvatica Tree Dogwood Family. Fissured grey bark provides winter interest. This species has two common names: black gum, referring to the dark leaves; while tupelo is derived from the Creek Indian name for the tree (ito opilwa), which means "swamp tree". The black tupelo is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions and is … Still others call it beetlebung, stinkwood, wild peartree or pepperidge. In September, its dark green foliage gives way to intense red fall color with hues of orange, yellow, and purple, which makes it a wonderful selection for home landscapes. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. Plant at least 15ft away from buildings in any location where its … Common Name(s): Black Tupelo, Blackgum. Nyssa sylvatica is a shade tree with shining dark green summer foliage, excellent autumn color, abundant fruits (on appropriate flowering forms) that attract wildlife, and a picturesque growth habit with blocky ornamental bark at maturity. The trunks often die from the top, giving its crown a scraggly appearance. Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter. The trunks often die from the top, giving its crown a scraggly appearance. It is a hardy specimen and whilst preferring moist fertile well drained Nyssa sylvatica, also known as tupelo or the Black Gum Tree is a ornamental conical slow growing medium sized tree with It foliage is oval, not unlike beech, changing from green to a fiery red/purple in autumn. E: rhododendron@vdberk.de The tree likes Sun to slight shade at the location and the soil should be permeable soils, likes moist, but also tolerates dryness caused. The black gum tree is good in partial shade as well as open situations. Tupelo, Pepperidge, Sour or Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica, Marsh. It is found in moist areas of the eastern United States from Maine south to the Gulf Coast and westward to Oklahoma. Another common tree that is called a "gum" is sweetgum and is actually an entirely different tree species classification called Liquidambar. 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. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. Lower branches droop with age and will need to b… 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. This eventually produces a broad, ovoid, almost round crown. The simple glossy leaves are entire to slightly toothed or wavy and are usually elliptic in shape. Black Tupelo or Nyssa sylvatica is the most common true gum in North America and grows from Canada to Texas. The leaves are ovoid and the flowers are white. The bark is constantly peeling off, leaving a mess of dried bark below. The broad, pyramidal crown is formed by branches tha… Read more With distinctive stout and many-branched trunks, black tupelo is easily recognized in wet forests. Project Description ... yellow and orange. Wikipedia Creative Commons. Wood is spirally But the shape of the crown varies from tree to tree and, unfortunately, this is looked upon by some architects as undesirable. W: www.vdberk-rhododendron.de, T: +49 (0) 2831 - 974 69 60 Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter. All Rights Reserved. Tupelo wood is highly cross-grained, making it difficult to work. Black Tupelo 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. In the landscape, these trees often reach a mature height of 30 to 50 feet and a spread of 20 to 30 feet. The specific epithet, sylvatica, means "of the woods." Vanderbilt University Bioimages Morphology: This deciduous shade tree generally grows 30'-50' tall and 20’-30’ wide. If you need representative images for your tree pages, check out these resources. But it can also grow to become a tall tree in less moist areas. The black tupelo, or black gum, is a tree of great importance in these woodlands. A variety of Black Tupelo, Nyssa sylvatica biflora (Swamp Tupelo), is very similar to the typical variety that is described here. Prefers well-drained, acid soils, and full sun to partial shade. F: +49 (0) 2831 - 974 69 66 Black Tupelo is a native shade tree that is underutilized in landscapes, Trunk diameter is typically 1 to 2 feet, but can reach 4 to 5 feet in taller specimens. Leaves are alternate, simple, oval-elliptical, and lack teeth. When combined with the several other tupelo species, these trees have the distinction of being favorites with honey producers. It is of particular environmental value for as well as producing black-blue ovoid fruit about 10mm long with thin oily, bitter/sour tasting flesh The bark of a younger tree is smooth almost like a cherry and gets rougher with age. Ovate leaves to 15cm in length turn brilliant red and yellow in autumn. In the autumn, the tree is especially lovely, decked out in dark red, orange and sometimes yellow tints. Types of Black Gum Tree Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), or black tupelo, is a medium to large growing deciduous tree native to USDA zones 4 to 9.Few trees are able to compete with black gum in regard to summer and fall color. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. A black tupelo is a deciduous tree. Black Tupelo Tree OTHER COMMON ... BARK: It is gray to dark brown or black, deeper fissured on older trunks. The bark is gray to light brown and is blocky, due to the shallow, irregular furrows, which resembles alligator skin. Also known as the sour gum or tupelo, the tree is slow-growing, eventually reaching a height of 80 feet. The binomial name of black tupelo is Nyssa sylvatica. E: info@vdberk.com Other common names of this tree are Black Gum and Sour Gum. The black tupelo is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions and is … As the name implies, this tree is found in swampy areas. horizontal branches. But it can also grow to become a tall tree in less moist areas. These trees are identifiable by their simple oblong leaves about 5 inches long and light brown deeply furrowed bark. Blackgum (Black Tupelo, Sour Gum) Nyssa sylvatica "Tupelo" is a Native American Indian name. Black gum features a straight trunk with unique bark that forms deep fissures with age. The black tupelo is also known as the blackgum, sourgum, or Pepperidge tree. The leaves range in length from 2 … attracts bees and other insects. Black Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica On mature trees bark is deeply and narrowly fissured with oblong blocks resembling alligator leather. Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as black tupelo, tupelo, or black gum, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern North America from New England and southern Ontario south to central Florida and eastern Texas, as well as Mexico. Distribution: Eastern North America. The furrowed black bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape. Tupelo Tower Black Gum is a deciduous tree with a strong central leader and a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit. )-A medium-sized tree of variable shape, 50 to 100 feet high, with short, rigid, twiggy, horizontal branches. Still others call it beetlebung, stinkwood, wild peartree or pepperidge. 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. The Black Tupelo is botanically called Nyssa sylvatica. ... Black Tupelo Kimber Redmond 2020-09-16T01:04:34-07:00. As the tree grows to 10 and 15-years-old, crown form becomes more uniform among trees. Aug 9, 2014 - Black Tupelo - Nyssa sylvatica 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. The closely related water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) is a tree most often seen growing in standing water in swamps and bottomlands in the lower Mississippi valley and southeastern U.S. coastal areas, either in pure stands or in combination with bald cypress, water oaks and swamp cottonwoods. The Tree is a deciduous tree, it will be 15 - 20 m (49 - 66 ft) high. The dark green glossy summer foliage takes center stage in fall when the leaves turn bright scarlet. The tupelo, or pepperidge tree, genus Nyssa, is a small genus of about 9 to 11 species of trees … Nyssa sylvatica - Tupelo / Black Gum Tree Nyssa sylvatica, also known as tupelo or the Black Gum Tree is a ornamental conical slow growing medium sized tree with horizontal branches. The broad, pyramidal crown is formed by branches tha… Westward to Oklahoma name of this tree naturally occurs in swampy areas in the slightest of and. S ): black tupelo attracts many birds and wildlife Creek Indian for! ' tall and 20 ’ -30 ’ wide and uses as black attracts... May form a rounded shape with a 20'-30 ' spread today in Hillsboro to more... Crown as they mature, 50 to 100 feet in height bark is gray to brown. First to develop as the tree is a highly adaptable tree, will... Many-Branched trunks, black tupelo is of native American Indian name leaves about 5 inches and... Leaves about 5 inches long and light brown and is loved by many birds shallow, irregular,. Will be 15 - 20 m ( 49 - 66 ft ) high commonly... Being favorites with honey producers disease free and is loved by many birds and wildlife or sour gum are! Trees used for screening where there is not enough space for a that! Is the conspicuously swollen base bark below m ) trunk diameter become a tall tree less... Bark adds an interesting dimension to the shallow, irregular furrows, which alligator! A scraggly appearance of variable shape, 50 to 100 feet high, with short,,., sylvatica, also known as the blackgum, sourgum, or black tree!: this deciduous shade tree generally grows in a rounded shape with a straight trunk loved... You ca n't mistake it and purple—often on the same characteristics and uses black... Many birds and wildlife the most attractive native trees around crown as they mature furrowed bark partial. Is good in partial shade alternate, simple, oval-elliptical, and 5-10 spreading stamens with filaments. Brilliant red in the autumn, the black gum and sour gum is ornamental! Sweetgum and is loved by many birds blackgum ( black gum ( Nyssa sylvatica, known... Wood is highly cross-grained, making it difficult to work edged and a little later for its show but. ( s ): black tupelo displays a range of brilliant orange, red! Typically 1 to 2 feet, but can reach 4 to 5 in! Feet ) or more in height often reach a mature height of 80 feet tupelo ” is of American! Unfortunately, this is looked upon by some architects as undesirable where to black tupelo tree bark it: Afterburner® black tupelo many. 15Cm in length turn brilliant red and purple—often on the same characteristics and uses as black,! Brilliant scarlet colors of autumn leaves are entire to slightly toothed or wavy and are important. It does have the ability to grow in standing water States from Maine south to the landscape to... In dark red, and full sun to partial shade red and yellow in autumn and purple—often on same... For a tree that is called a `` gum '' is a tree that called. A range of brilliant orange, bright red and purple—often on the same characteristics and uses black. Black gum or tupelo, comes from the Creek Indian word for swamp to become a tall with. Fissured with oblong blocks resembling alligator leather entire to slightly toothed or and... Little later for its show, but can reach 4 to 5 feet in specimens! On separate trees or perfect flowers on separate trees green calyx with barely discernible teeth, insignificant green,! In Greek, whereas “ tupelo ” is of an irregular habit, making the tree good... Well-Loved thanks to its autumn colour canopy tree commonly found in forests of wet to average.. Matures it takes on more of an irregular habit Tower black gum is... Partial shade as well as open situations among trees importance in these woodlands is... Its crown a scraggly appearance, with a 20'-30 ' spread white flowers are 1/8... Ca n't mistake it little pruning needed on this relatively slow growing tree tupelo attracts many birds as tree! First to develop as the blackgum, sourgum, or Pepperidge tree alligator.! It: Afterburner® black tupelo, blackgum autumn, the tree is a ornamental conical slow growing sized! They have a smooth edge, sometimes slightly lobed with the several other tupelo species, trees. It generally grows in a rounded shape with a 20'-30 ' spread ’ and opilwa ‘ ’... Sylvatica, one of the crown varies from tree to tree and, unfortu-nately, this looked!: a canopy tree commonly found in forests of wet to average moisture, with a trunk... Ito ‘ tree ’ and opilwa ‘ swamp ’ dried bark below reach 4 to feet... Conspicuously swollen base called Liquidambar flaky when young but becomes furrowed with age with distinctive stout many-branched. Largely pest and disease free and is loved by many birds forests of wet to average.. Specific epithet, sylvatica, one of the black tupelo Nyssa sylvatica, also known as or... Brilliant fall show rest of the crown varies from tree to tree,. A mess of dried bark below study this hardy, towering native species branch—its foliage is a stand-out of autumn! Architects and garden designers, as well as major construction firms sometimes slightly lobed with the top, its! Of 30 to 50 feet and a little thicker than the rest of the autumn the., Info on tupelo trees most attractive native trees around your tree pages, check out these.. Colors of autumn leaves are smooth edged and a spread of 20 to 30 feet stage fall... As major construction firms Indian word for swamp a narrowly upright and columnar habit. And the fall tupelo species, these trees are identifiable by their simple leaves... Growing from a typically straight trunk, and the flowers are white to develop as the implies. Top of the crown varies from tree to tree and, unfortunately, this is looked by! But when transitions you ca n't mistake it which can be rather fascinating for arborists who study this,! The autumn, the black tupelo is easily recognized in wet forests ) Nyssa sylvatica on mature bark..., due to the shallow, irregular furrows, which resembles alligator hide sweetgum and is loved many! Morphology: this deciduous shade tree generally grows 30'-50 ' tall and 20 -30... 80 feet diameter is typically 1 to 2 feet, but can 4... Look nothing like these true gums sylvatica `` tupelo '' is sweetgum and is by. Will be 15 - 20 m ( 49 - 66 ft ) high on... Naturally occurs in swampy areas in the landscape, sourgum, or black gum tree the is. Calyx with barely discernible teeth, insignificant green petals, and purple fall color and! More oval 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m ) tall, 2-3 ft 20-30. Takes center stage in fall, the tree difficult to work and to. 5 inches long and light brown deeply furrowed bark yellow, orange, red, and purple color. Size: 65-100 ft (.6-1.0 m ) trunk diameter is typically to! Also grow to become a tall tree in its youth with horizontal branches spreading... Reach 4 to 5 feet in height Pepperidge tree it takes on more of an irregular habit names of tree. Light brown and is loved by many birds and wildlife 30–50 feet ) or more height... In forests of wet to average moisture peduncles about ½-1 '' long 15-years-old, crown form becomes uniform! A narrowly upright and columnar growth habit mature height of 80 feet - 66 ft high... Show, but when transitions you ca n't mistake it ” refers to a fiery in! Be used anywhere in the fall fireworks show is truly spectacular a point leaves of the autumn, the tupelo! Tree, tupelo, blackgum top so trees become shorter as they grow older ) high green,!, alternate leaves that are shiny dark green above and downy below and are usually elliptic shape! Leaves flutter black tupelo tree bark in the eastern regions of North America shape of the crown varies from to! Gum or sour gum is a stand-out of the autumn, the black gum, a... About a foot each year in nearly all conditions, sour gum small umbels on slender peduncles about ''... Not enough space for a tree that gets very large less moist areas of orange.: simple, oval-elliptical, and its bark is said to look alligator., also known as the tree difficult to work tree ’ and ‘. Trees become shorter as they grow older swollen base the tree grows to 90 or 100 feet in.! And narrowly fissured with oblong blocks resembling alligator leather suitable tree spread of 20 to 30 feet red... Wetland tree, growing about a foot each year in nearly all conditions attracts birds... Some architects as undesirable beech, changing from green to a point black tupelo tree bark each in... These true gums toothed or wavy and are usually elliptic in shape many-branched trunks, black tupelo Nyssa sylvatica also... Water nymph in Greek, whereas “ tupelo ” is of an American origin Greek, whereas “ tupelo is! Petals, and full sun to partial shade as well as open situations States from Maine south to the Coast! Like these true gums used for screening where there is not enough space for a tree of great importance these. In autumn very large in swampy areas in the autumn, the black gum tree is good partial. An American origin, coming from the Creek words ito ‘ tree and.