Black Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica
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Description
Black Tupelo, or Nyssa sylvatica, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States, renowned for its vibrant fall foliage ranging from bright yellow to deep red. It can grow up to 20-25 meters tall, with a straight trunk and a rounded crown. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Black Tupelo serves as a keystone species due to its role in supporting biodiversity. It attracts a variety of wildlife, including birds and pollinators, with its small, dark blue fruits and nectar-rich flowers. Its deep root system is beneficial for erosion control and soil stabilization, making it an excellent choice for riparian buffer zones. Historically, the tree has been used by Indigenous peoples for its wood and as a source of food for wildlife. In a food forest, it functions as a canopy layer, providing shade and habitat for understory plants. Guild companions include serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) and elderberry (Sambucus spp.), which thrive in similar conditions.
Growing Details
Black Tupelo thrives in moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and loam. It prefers full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like serviceberry and elderberry can enhance biodiversity and support pollinators. Common mistakes include planting in overly dry or compacted soils. Harvest fruits in late autu
Tags
Keystone Specie
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Building Wood
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Colouring
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Nyssa sylvatica</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Eastern United States
applicable geo region: North America
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of September for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The fruits of Black Tupelo are technically edible but are very sour and not commonly consumed by humans. They are more often used as a food source for wildlife, particularly birds. If desired, the fruits can be processed into jams or jellies with added sweeteners to offset their tartness.
Medicinal Rating:
(1/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, the bark of Black Tupelo has been used in folk medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory properties. However, its medicinal uses are not well-documented in modern herbal medicine. Caution is advised as the bark should not be used without proper knowledge of preparation and dosage.
health concerns:
other uses: The wood of Black Tupelo is valued for its density and is used in making furniture, flooring, and pulpwood. It is also used as firewood due to its high density and slow-burning properties.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Nyssa sylvatica</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Nyssa sylvatica
common names: Black Tupelo; Black Gum; Sour Gum
family: Nyssaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Nyssa
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 10.0 m
growing difficulty: High
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / -20ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity: Medium
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender:
hardness:
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(5/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 650 years
succession: Late
growth rate: Medium
max height: 25.0 m
max width: 10.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Acid
flower type:
Monoecious
growth details: Black Tupelo thrives in moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and loam. It prefers full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like serviceberry and elderberry can enhance biodiversity and support pollinators. Common mistakes include planting in overly dry or compacted soils. Harvest fruits in late autu
Potential Disturbances: Black Tupelo is relatively pest-resistant but can be affected by leaf spot diseases and scale insects. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to manage aphid populations. Planting garlic or chives nearby can help repel scale insects. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray for managing pests.
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