Black Gum Tupelo Tree (Nyssa Sylvatica) – 1 Gallon Pot

One of the toughest yet most attractive North American trees around, the Black Gum, also known as Tupelo, is tolerant of drought, heat, dry and wet soils and is moderately salt tolerant withstanding wind and ice and salt spray in coastal locations. Deep green summer leaves are similar in appearance to Magnolia with a high-gloss appearance, but the most spectacular feature is the brilliant scarlet red foliage that might include many shades of yellow, orange or purple all on the same branch. Edible bluish-black berries appear in late summer and fall and are often gobbled up by many species of birds and mammals. When planted in full sun Black Gum grows from 30 to 5 feet in height over time with a spread of 20 to 30 feet. In woodland settings, where the tree has to reach for sunlight, it can grow up to 80 feet tall. 

Fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Produces a thin sharply acid pulp that is pleasant to roll in the mouth as a masticatory, it is also used in preserves. The honey bees produce from the flowers of this tree is highly prized.

The fruits (berries) are enjoyed by thrushes and other songbirds, wild turkeys, black bear, foxes, raccoons and opossums from August through October. It is one of the most important food sources for fall song bird migration. The natural hollows that form in the tree are a refuge for reptiles, tree frogs, bats and other wildlife. Though inconspicuous and not showy, the spring flowers are a nectar source for bees.

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