All leaves indicated a diseased tree, even new leaf buds were affected. The specific epithet, sylvatica, means "of the woods." The trees typically reach 9–15 metres (30–50 feet) or more in height. Climatically, the tree can grow well in many places, from sea level to 3000 feet high. It is largely an ornamental plant, with its leaves changing to a fiery red in the autumn. The Black Tupelo is botanically called Nyssa sylvatica. Black gum features a straight trunk with unique bark that forms deep fissures with age. But the shape of the crown varies from tree to tree and, unfortunately, this is looked upon by some architects as undesirable. Sometimes commonly called black tupelo. Young trees tend to be somewhat pyramidal in shape and eventually may form a conical or oval-shaped crown as they mature. When combined with the several other tupelo species, these trees have the distinction of being favorites with honey producers. It is one of the last trees to leaf out in the spring and one of the first to lose its leaves in the fall. It came even quicker than we anticipated during this Covid crisis. Young trees are pyramidal in shape; older trees are spreading. Black Tupelo is a native shade tree that is underutilized in landscapes, and is primarily known for its spectacular autumn colors. Still others call it beetlebung, stinkwood, wild peartree or pepperidge. black tupelo, sourgum, sour gum Leaf Type: Deciduous Texas Native: Firewise: Tree Description: A large forest tree reaching a height of over 100 feet and a trunk that exceeds 3 feet in diameter, with a straight trunk and many horizontal branches of a similar size that form a narrow, oval crown. Also called sour gum, tupelo or black tupelo, the black gum tree (Nyssa sylvatica) comes from the eastern U.S. … Shading Capacity Rated as Moderately Dense in … Seems to be growing well, and we've had rain almost daily so we only had to water a few times so far. A variety of Black Tupelo, Nyssa sylvatica biflora (Swamp Tupelo), is very similar to the typical variety that is described here. Flowers & Fruits: The tree produces clusters of small, off-white flowers in the spring which develop into a 3/16 inch (1/2 cm) round, black fruit called a … In fall, The black gum often holds out a little later for its show, but when transitions you can't mistake it. They are sometimes eaten raw, but humans tend to put them in juice, preservatives, or pies! It is a highly adaptable tree, growing about a foot each year in nearly all conditions. It can live to be 650 years old, and during its lifetime will contribute to honey production for bees, an will supply berries that are an important source of food for birds. biflora - Called the "Swamp Tupelo", this 50' tree is naturally found in swampy areas and is adapted to poorly drained garden situations. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide. Tupelo Family (Nyssaceae) Introduction: From waxy spring foliage and brilliant fall color to beautiful winter form, the black gum shows great ornamental value. Its dark blue fruit (called a drupe) is preferred by many birds and other wildlife. The USPS tracking was not the best as it only updated the day of product receipt. It has a very broad range, from the Deep South all the way to Ontario, Canada. With distinctive stout and many-branched trunks, black tupelo is easily recognized in wet forests. 'Autumn Cascades' - Specialty nurseries are beginning to produce this new, strongly weeping form that shows good fall color. In fall, The black gum often holds out a little later for its show, but when transitions you can't mistake it. Prune in fall if desired. Sometimes commonly called black tupelo. One characteristic of this tree is the conspicuously swollen base. Tree was well packed. Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) , also called black gum tree is a North Eastern American native tree producing edible fruit in the fall. Lower branches droop with age and will need to b… Black Tupelo The black tupelo, or black gum, is a tree of great importance in these woodlands. It grows to 66–82 ft tall, rarely to 115 ft, with a trunk diameter of 20–39 in, rarely up to 67 in. Black Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica On mature trees bark is deeply and narrowly fissured with oblong blocks resembling alligator leather. It is a shade tree that grows 30-50 feet high with a spread of 20-30 feet. The Tree is a deciduous tree, it will be 15 - 20 m (49 - 66 ft) high. The bark on young trees is dark gray to brownish-gray and is divided into vertical ridges. The most common and familiar tupelo trees are the black gum tupelo trees (Nyssa sylvatica).These trees stand up to 80 feet (24 m.) tall at maturity. 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