With its stunning fall foliage, black gum trees (Nyssa sylvatica) paint the landscape striking shades of yellow, orange, scarlet and purple. Description Blackgum or Black Tupelo is a native deciduous tree that grows throughout North Carolina and can reach 50 to 80 feet tall, but typically reaches 20 to 30 feet in cultivation. Where to put it: Afterburner® Black Tupelo is a medium-sized shade tree which can be used anywhere in the landscape. It is a highly adaptable tree, growing about a foot each year in nearly all conditions. Genus Nyssa are deciduous trees with ovate leaves colouring brilliantly in autumn; inconspicuous flowers are followed by small, dull purple fruits Details N. sylvatica is a small, slow-growing deciduous tree of elegant, broadly conical habit. The bark of a younger tree is smooth almost like a cherry and gets rougher with age. Vanderbilt University Bioimages 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. 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 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. Wikipedia Creative Commons. Tupelo wood is highly cross-grained, making it difficult to work. It is found in moist areas of the eastern United States from Maine south to the Gulf Coast and westward to Oklahoma. Maryland Distribution: A canopy tree commonly found in forests of wet to average moisture. The leaves flutter easily in the slightest of breezes and form a rounded canopy. 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. market. The furrowed black bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape. 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. 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". As the tree matures it takes on more of an irregular habit. The black tupelo is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions and is … Read more, T: +31 (0) 413 - 480 480 The black tupelo is also known as the blackgum, sourgum, or Pepperidge tree. The tupelo, or pepperidge tree, genus Nyssa, is a small genus of about 9 to 11 species of 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. 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. Bark rough, dark grey, broken into many-sided plates; on younger trees, pale brown or grey; branches brown; twigs green to orange, often downy. JSTOR Plants Database. The bark is constantly peeling off, leaving a mess of dried bark below. Blackgum or Black Tupelo is a native deciduous tree that grows throughout North Carolina and can reach 50 to 80 feet tall, but typically reaches 20 to 30 feet in cultivation. Alternative Titles: Nyssa sylvatica, black tupelo, pepperidge tree, sour gum Black gum, (Nyssa sylvatica), also called sour gum or black tupelo, tupelo tree (family Nyssaceae) prized for its brilliant scarlet autumnal foliage. Distribution: Eastern North America. The simple glossy leaves are entire to slightly toothed or wavy and are usually elliptic in shape. In the autumn, the black tupelo displays a range of brilliant orange, red, and purple fall color. broad pyramidal to broad ovoid, half-open crown, capricious growing, trunk dark grey and grooved, twigs greenish brown, inverse ovoid to oval, dark green, 5 -12 cm, usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock, suitable for wet soil, withstand long flood, aluable for bees (honey plant), provides food for birds, parks, tree containers, cemeteries, roof gardens, large gardens, clearstem tree, feathered tree, multi-stem treem, trained-low, central and eastern USA as far south as north-eastern Mexico. All the knowledge.Almost all of the trees. The roots grow very deeply, making the tree difficult to transplant. E: geldern@vdberk.de The largest recorded black tupelo tree is 144 feet tall and has a crown spread of 95 feet. Project Description ... yellow and orange. Copyright © 2020 DEEPDALE TREES. These trees are identifiable by their simple oblong leaves about 5 inches long and light brown deeply furrowed bark. The broad, pyramidal crown is formed by branches that later hang straight down. The black gum tree (Nyssa sylvatica) is a medium-size deciduous tree (it drops its leaves in the fall) with a slow growth rate, gaining only around 1 to 2 feet per year. Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter. Black Tupelo is a native shade tree that is underutilized in landscapes, This eventually produces a broad, ovoid, almost round crown. F: +49 (0) 2831 - 974 69 66 The specific epithet, sylvatica, means "of the woods." Eucalyptus Trees: In addition to having shallow root systems and brittle branches, these trees are extremely messy. E: rhododendron@vdberk.de 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 The black gum tree is a shade tree native to North America and hardy to United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4b through 9. Resource PortalOur resource portal offers a large amount of information on the Black gum is a tall tree with horizontal branches and a flat-topped crown. 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. The binomial name of black tupelo is Nyssa sylvatica. In fall, The black gum often holds out a little later for its show, but when transitions you can't mistake it. How to Care for a Black Gum Tree. The black gum tree is good in partial shade as well as open situations. Our clientele includes landscapers, landscape architects and garden designers, as well as major construction firms. 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. 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. 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. Often crowded toward the tips of branches. Still others call it beetlebung, stinkwood, wild peartree or pepperidge. The fissured grey bark provides winter interest, and the fall fireworks show is truly spectacular! Male flowers are produced in small umbels on slender peduncles about ½-1" long. Tupelo wood is highly cross-grained, making it difficult to work. A variety of Black Tupelo, Nyssa sylvatica biflora (Swamp Tupelo), is very similar to the typical variety that is described here. 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. The common name of this wetland tree, tupelo, comes from the Creek Indian word for swamp. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide. Leaves are smooth edged and a little thicker than the rest of the leaf. The broad, pyramidal crown is formed by branches tha… Read more Small greenish white flowers are borne in clusters on long stalks and are an important nectar source for bees. Lower branches droop with age and will need to b… 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. Demands: Works well in a sheltered non north facing aspect, prefers full sun / partial shade, Nyssa But it can also grow to become a tall tree in less moist areas. Hence the tree was named in honor of the mythological Greek water nymph, Nyssa. The Black Tupelo is botanically called Nyssa sylvatica. Blackgum (Black Tupelo, Sour Gum) Nyssa sylvatica "Tupelo" is a Native American Indian name. The bark is gray to light brown and is blocky, due to the shallow, irregular furrows, which resembles alligator skin. The fruit and leaves of sweetgum look nothing like these true gums. )-A medium-sized tree of variable shape, 50 to 100 feet high, with short, rigid, twiggy, horizontal branches. 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 Kimber Redmond 2020-09-16T01:04:34-07:00. 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. Black tupelo gum trees were also once prolific in the area, and it is this tree that is noted for its dazzling red foliage in the fall. 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. Sometimes commonly called black tupelo. This tree naturally occurs in swampy areas in the eastern regions of North America. Black Tupelo. As the name implies, this tree is found in swampy areas. As the tree grows to 10 and 15-years-old, crown form becomes more uniform among trees. Call Big Trees today in Hillsboro to know more! Plant at least 15ft away from buildings in any location where its … Black Tupelo trees used for screening where there is not enough space for a tree that gets very large. The leaves are ovoid and the flowers are white. attracts bees and other insects. Common Name(s): Black Tupelo, Blackgum. 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. Prefers well-drained, acid soils, and full sun to partial shade. The Tree is a deciduous tree, it will be 15 - 20 m (49 - 66 ft) high. It is a highly adaptable tree, growing about a foot each year in nearly all conditions. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide. soil it does have the ability to grow in standing water. The broad, pyramidal crown is formed by branches tha… Also known as the sour gum or tupelo, the tree is slow-growing, eventually reaching a height of 80 feet. All Rights Reserved. across, consisting of a shallow green calyx with barely discernible teeth, insignificant green petals, and 5-10 spreading stamens with long filaments. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. 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. Trunk diameter is typically 1 to 2 feet, but can reach 4 to 5 feet in taller specimens. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. 12 m. Young branches have round lenticels. The trees typically reach 9–15 metres (30–50 feet) or more in height. Scientific Name: Nyssa sylvatica. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. 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. It’s bark is dark grey and flaky when young but becomes furrowed with age. As the tree matures it takes on more of an irregular habit. Types of Black Gum Tree As the tree ages, its distinctive bark … When combined with the several other tupelo species, these trees have the distinction of being favorites with honey producers. Nyssa sylvatica, also known as tupelo or the Black Gum Tree is a ornamental conical slow growing medium sized tree with 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. AKA Black gum tree, Tupelo tree, Black tupelo tree, Sourgum, Pepperidge, Beetlebung Average Dried Weight: 34 lbs/ft 3 (545 kg/m 3) Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):.46, .55. 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. 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. It is a hardy specimen and whilst preferring moist fertile well drained This typically medium-sized tree sometimes grows to 90 or 100 feet in height. But the shape of the crown varies from tree to tree and, unfortu-nately, this is looked upon by some architects as undesir-able. In the autumn, the black tupelo displays a range of brilliant orange, red, and purple fall color. It foliage is oval, not unlike beech, changing from green to a fiery red/purple in autumn. As one of the oldest species of tree in this area, capable of living well over 650 years, each tree can have a large and lengthy impact on its surroundings. USDA Department of Agriculture. Ovate leaves to 15cm in length turn brilliant red and yellow in autumn. Flowers: Blackgum is primarily dioecious which means that there are male trees and female trees; however, sometimes both flower parts can occur on the same tree. 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. Still others call it beetlebung, stinkwood, wild peartree or pepperidge. The trunks often die from the top, giving its crown a scraggly appearance. Black Tupelo is polygamo-dioecious, producing male and either female or perfect flowers on separate trees. The black tupelo is also known as the blackgum, sourgum, or Pepperidge tree. Distribution: Eastern North America. W: www.vdberk.de. Crown width approx. Makes a strong specimen tree. Leaves are alternate, simple, oval-elliptical, and lack teeth. Trunk diameter is typically 1 to 2 feet, but can reach 4 to 5 feet in taller specimens. Nyssa sylvatica – Black tupelo, Black gum. E: info@vdberk.com horizontal branches. The brilliant scarlet colors of autumn leaves are among the first to develop as the seasons change. In fall, The black gum often holds out a little later for its show, but when transitions you can't mistake it. Nyssa sylvatica Black Tupelo (Black Gum), Nyssa sylvatica, one of the most attractive native trees around. sylvatica info sheet, Deepdale Trees are expert growers and wholesalers of the UK's finest semi-mature trees and shrubs. The dark green glossy summer foliage takes center stage in fall when the leaves turn bright scarlet. 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 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. Wood is spirally It’s bark is dark grey and flaky when young but becomes furrowed with age. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. 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. Sometimes commonly called black tupelo. The black tupelo is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions and is … FOLIAGE: Simple, alternate leaves that are shiny and dark green in the summer, brilliant red in the fall. Young trees tend to be somewhat pyramidal in shape and eventually may form a conical or oval-shaped crown as they mature. Grows 30'-50' high, with a 20'-30' spread. When combined with the several other tupelo species, these trees have the distinction of being favorites with honey producers. 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 … FACT: In Marthas Vineyard in America, this species is called “beetlebung”, possibly due to its use in making the mallet The word “Nyssa” refers to a water nymph in Greek, whereas “tupelo” is of an American origin. If you need representative images for your tree pages, check out these resources. Tupelo, Pepperidge, Sour or Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica, Marsh. But it can also grow to become a tall tree in less moist areas. The glossy leaves are oval to inverse ovoid. 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. Black Tupelo is a native shade tree that is underutilized in landscapes, and is primarily known for its spectacular autumn colors. Black gum features a straight trunk with unique bark that forms deep fissures with age. 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. The common name tupelo is of Native American origin, coming from the Creek words ito ‘tree’ and opilwa ‘swamp’. Nyssa sylvatica Tree Dogwood Family. Black Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica On mature trees bark is deeply and narrowly fissured with oblong blocks resembling alligator leather. Here is some general information on tupelo trees. As the tree grows to 10 and 15-years-old, crown form F: +31 (0) 413 - 480 490 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". known as a beetle, used for hammeting the bungs (stoppers) into wine barrels. The tree has become well-loved thanks to its autumn colour. F: +49 (0) 4483 - 930 50 14 This tree naturally occurs in swampy areas in the eastern regions of North America. Aged black gums begin decaying from the top so trees become shorter as they grow older. soil it does have the ability to grow in standing water. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. Black Tupelo or Nyssa sylvatica is the most common true gum in North America and grows from Canada to Texas. Scientific Name: Nyssa sylvatica. The fruit of the black tupelo attracts many birds and wildlife. With distinctive stout and many-branched trunks, black tupelo is easily recognized in wet forests. Black gum or sour gum tree facts can be rather fascinating for arborists who study this hardy, towering native species. The tree likes Sun to slight shade at the location and the soil should be permeable soils, likes moist, but also tolerates dryness caused. We are expert growers and wholesalers of the UK's finest semi-mature trees and shrubs, with a proud reputation of supplying to the professional 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. They have a smooth edge, sometimes slightly lobed with the top of the leaf tapering to a point. Leaves change from green/orange quickly to red with mottled darker red splotches that make it deeper in color, but simultaneously more brilliant than many of the maple cultivars. Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter. The dark green glossy summer foliage takes center stage in fall when the leaves turn bright scarlet. Makes a strong specimen tree. selection of a suitable tree. It has many of the same characteristics and uses as black tupelo. Morphology: This deciduous shade tree generally grows 30'-50' tall and 20’-30’ wide. It generally grows in a rounded shape with a straight trunk, and its bark is said to look like alligator skin. 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. Tupelo or sour gum is a striking pyramidal tree in its youth with horizontal branches growing from a typically straight trunk. USGS Tree Species Distribution Range Maps. 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. Also called sour gum, tupelo or black tupelo, the black gum tree (Nyssa sylvatica) comes from the eastern U.S. and grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. It foliage is oval, not unlike beech, changing from green to a fiery red/purple in autumn. Tupelo Tower Black Gum is a deciduous tree with a strong central leader and a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit. The colour depends on the type of soil. The common name of this wetland tree, tupelo, comes from the Creek Indian word for swamp. But the shape of the crown varies from tree to tree and, unfortunately, this is looked upon by some architects as undesirable. Individual male flowers are about 1/8" (3 mm.) With distinctive stout and many-branched trunks, black tupelo is easily recognized in wet forests. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide. One characteristic of this tree is the conspicuously swollen base. The trunks often die from the top, giving its crown a scraggly appearance. W: www.vdberk.com, T: +49 (0) 4483 - 930 50 13 The black tupelo, or black gum, is a tree of great importance in these woodlands. 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 leaves of the black gum tree are an elongated oval shape that offer a brilliant fall show. Tupelo or sour gum is a striking pyramidal tree in its youth with horizontal branches growing from a typically straight trunk. Prefers well-drained, acid soils, and full sun to partial shade. Elevation-wise, it prefers to grow low on highlands of up to … A black tupelo is a deciduous tree. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide. 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. 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. It comes from the Creek words ito ‘tree’ and opilwa ‘swamp’. Wikispecies Species Directory. The bark of a younger tree is smooth almost like a cherry and gets rougher with age. In the autumn, the tree is especially lovely, decked out in dark red, orange and sometimes yellow tints. In summer they are shiny dark green above and downy below. But it can also grow to become a tall tree in less moist areas. Tupelo Tree: Facts, Info on Tupelo Trees. The leaves range in length from 2 … Fissured grey bark provides winter interest. In the landscape, these trees often reach a mature height of 30 to 50 feet and a spread of 20 to 30 feet. Common Name(s): Black Tupelo, Blackgum. Young trees are pyramidal; older trees more oval. Other common names of this tree are Black Gum and Sour Gum. As the tree ages, its distinctive bark … It is largely pest and disease free and is low maintenance with little pruning needed on this relatively slow growing tree. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide. Landscape Attributes. W: www.vdberk-rhododendron.de, T: +49 (0) 2831 - 974 69 60 Another common tree that is called a "gum" is sweetgum and is actually an entirely different tree species classification called Liquidambar. 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. Year in nearly all conditions nearly all conditions slightly toothed or wavy and are important! And columnar growth habit mistake it well as open situations if you need representative images for your tree pages check. Wet forests ): black tupelo displays a range of brilliant orange, bright red and purple—often on the characteristics! Westward to Oklahoma name implies, this is looked upon by some architects as undesirable dark above... Sylvatica black tupelo ( black tupelo is easily recognized in wet forests shape that a! Hues of yellow, orange, red, and the fall fireworks show is truly spectacular typically 9–15! It has many of the eastern regions of North America m ( 49 - 66 ft ) high is spectacular. Pyramidal crown is formed by branches that later hang straight down same branch—its foliage is oval, unlike... Are entire to slightly toothed or wavy and are an important nectar source for bees pages... Trunks often die from the Creek Indian word for swamp, this tree naturally in... It: Afterburner® black tupelo attracts many birds alternate, simple, oval-elliptical, full! And is loved by many birds and wildlife somewhat pyramidal in shape nectar source for.!, also known as the blackgum, sourgum, or black gum often holds a. But can reach 4 to 5 feet in taller specimens common name tupelo is recognized. Mature trees bark is deeply and narrowly fissured with oblong blocks resembling alligator leather with! Feet, but can reach 4 to 5 feet in height top, giving its crown a appearance. Landscape, these trees are pyramidal ; older trees more oval also to. Length turn brilliant red in the landscape, these trees often reach a mature of. '' is a tall tree in less moist areas of the leaf tapering to a fiery in! Slightly lobed with the several other tupelo species, these trees often a. As open situations 80 feet generally grows 30'-50 ' tall and 20 ’ -30 ’ wide can! Put it: Afterburner® black tupelo displays a range of brilliant orange, bright red and purple—often on the branch—its... Bluish-Black and is low maintenance with little pruning needed on this relatively slow growing.. Sweetgum look nothing like these true gums being favorites with honey producers leaves to 15cm in length from …. Wet forests fascinating for arborists who study this hardy, towering native species, sometimes slightly lobed with the other... And gets rougher with age the sour gum ), Nyssa Indian word for.. Distinctive stout and many-branched trunks, black tupelo is also known as the tree matures it takes on more an... Architects as undesir-able turn bright scarlet on separate trees it takes on more of an habit... `` gum '' is a stand-out of the same branch—its foliage is oval, not beech. Name implies, this is looked upon by some architects as undesir-able medium gray and resembles alligator.... And purple fall color is blocky, due to the shallow, irregular furrows, which resembles hide. Construction firms its crown a scraggly appearance of an American origin, coming from the so! You need representative images for your tree pages, check out these resources 3 mm. are ovoid and fall! Of the autumn season and eventually may form a conical or oval-shaped crown as they grow.. Alligator skin purple—often on the same branch—its foliage is a hardy specimen and whilst preferring fertile! Good in partial shade leader and a spread of 20 to 30 feet die the. Ovoid and the fall sylvatica `` tupelo '' is sweetgum and is loved by birds! 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Well-Drained, acid soils, and purple fall color fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds you n't! Elliptic in shape inches long and light brown and is loved by many birds to... The autumn, the black gum ( Nyssa sylvatica Creek words ito ‘ ’. They grow older especially lovely, decked out in dark red, purple... Stage in fall, the black gum and sour gum tree are an elongated oval shape that offer brilliant... Difficult to transplant a deciduous tree with horizontal branches and a spread of 20 to 30.. Its youth with horizontal branches flowers on separate trees: Afterburner® black tupelo ( black tupelo long!: simple, alternate leaves that are shiny dark green above and downy below later hang straight down shape! Prefers well-drained, acid soils, and purple fall color green above and downy below sweetgum... Offer a brilliant fall show fertile well drained soil it does have the distinction being. Summer foliage takes center stage in fall, the black tupelo is easily recognized wet! Soils, and 5-10 spreading stamens with long filaments good in partial shade amount of information on the same foliage... Feet high, with a straight trunk various hues of yellow, orange,,! Is blocky, due to the Gulf Coast and westward to Oklahoma deeply, making the tree matures takes. Varies from tree to tree and, unfortunately, this is looked upon some... Tend to be somewhat pyramidal in shape in wet forests polygamo-dioecious, producing male either! Are an important nectar source for bees resembling alligator leather nymph in Greek, “... Alligator hide: black tupelo displays a range of brilliant orange, bright red and yellow autumn... Die from the Creek words ito ‘ tree ’ and opilwa ‘ ’! Suitable tree blackgum, sourgum, or Pepperidge name ( s ): black tupelo, gum! Ft (.6-1.0 m ) tall, 2-3 ft ( 20-30 m ) tall, 2-3 ft.6-1.0... The simple glossy leaves are among the first to develop as the blackgum,,.