Nyssa Sylvatica- Black Tupelo
Description
Leaves: Alternate, oval or obovate and 3-6” long. Toothed and dark green. Leaves emerge late in the season, turn dark green in the summer and display a beautiful fall color that ranges from yellow/orange to scarlet/purple.
Flowers: Small, greenish yellow and appearing with the leaves, late April to early May. Not ornamental.
Fruit: oblong drupe ½” long. Blueish black September- October. Enjoyed by a variety of birds and mammals.
Bark: Varied. Dark gray, brown, or brown black and broken into thick irregular ridges.
Attributes: Excellent specimen and street tree in residential areas. Does not tolerate heavy pollution. Outstanding summer and fall foliage.
Culture
Growing Conditions: Moist, well drained acid soils. Full sun to part shade. Sites protected from the wind preferred.
Maintenance: Tupelos are susceptible to leaf spot which can cause irregular black lesions. Little pruning necessary.
Transplanting: Difficult to transplant due to taproots. Ideal if moved balled and burlapped in early spring.
Our Experience
Our tupelos have stayed disease free and are impressive large specimens that add a ton of interest to the landscape, especially in the fall. They are a beautiful native tree with a unique habit and impressive foliage.