Nyssa sylvatica
Blackgum, Black Tupelo, Sourgum, Pepperidge
Mature Size, Growth, Longevity
Average mature size of 30-60' tall & 20-30' wide. Rarely grows to 100' tall in the wild. Pyramidal in youth, w/ spreading, horizontal branches, eventually forming an irregularly rounded or flat-topped crown, or may also be upright-oval. . Slow to medium growth rate, 12-15' over a 10-15 year period. Adequate water & fertility will enhance the speed of growth. Medium-long lifespan, 150-300 years of age.
Native Range
Kentucky Native — Native to the eastern third of the U.S., including all of Kentucky. Found in native stands from Maine, Ontario, & Michigan to Florida & Texas, introduced before 1750.
Flower and Fruit Details
Flowers are small, greenish-yellow, polygamo-dioecious (predominantly either male or female flowers on a tree, but w/ some perfect flowers as well), appearing as the leaves emerge in April-May, but not ornamentally effective. Fruits are oblong drupes, 3/8-1/2" long, dark purple to bluish-black, late September to early October. Trees are usually predominantly male (producing few to no fruits) or predominantly female (heavy fruit set). Songbirds enjoy the fruits.
Leaf and Bark Features
Deciduous: Slower to leaf out than many other trees. Leaves are glossy, dark green, simple, alternate, 3-6" long & half as wide, usually entire, ovate-obovate-elliptic, acute at tip, w/ a 1/2-1" reddish petiole. Fall color florescent yellow/orange/scarlet/purple. After leaves drop, 3 distinct vascular bundle traces can be seen in the narrow leaf scar. Young stems slender, gray-brown/reddish-brown & glabrous; many short spurs. Bark is dark gray, brown, or brownish-black, broken into thick irregular ridges which are checked across into short segments, giving it a block-like or alligator hide appearance..
Culture and Care
Plant in early spring. Needs full sun. Prefers deep, moist, well-drained, acid soils (pH 5.5-6.5). Zones 4-9. Takes clay, salt, wet (occasional flooding) or dry areas. Cankers, leaf spots, anthracnose, tupelo leaf miner & scale are occasional problems.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts
Many species of birds and mammals consume the fruit. Outstanding fall foliage. 3-season interest: Spring, summer & fall.
Suggested Uses
An excellent specimen tree. Good for native plant gardens.
Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA
The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.
Nyssa sylvatica 'Autumn Cascade' // Autumn Cascade Blackgum
Tree. A rare & unusual form. Irregular, yet graceful, weeping habit. Leaves are larger than the species, long and narrow, more oblanceolate and elliptic than ovate. Excellent red/orange/yellow/purple fall foliage color. A female tree, so fruits are produced. Originated as a chance seedling from Louisiana Nursery. Native to the southeast U.S. Zone 5-9. Gets 20-50' tall and 15-30' wide, w/ cascading branches and glossy green summer foliage. Takes sun or part shade. A good size for small to medium landscapes. Very adaptable for wet areas, as well as drier sites. Adaptable to poor soils and urban conditions, but not to alkaline soils. Susceptible to leaf spot fungus disease, but not as bad as 'Lakeside Weeper'.
BT001269Nyssa sylvatica 'Penwood Weeper' // Penwood Weeper Blackgum
Tree. A tree w/ a strong central leader, an overall rounded form, and graceful, weeping branches, 30-60' tall & 20-30' wide. Needs full sun to part shade. Large, oval leaves. The glossy green foliage turns bright yellow-orange in the fall. It has a low canopy. Not tolerant of urban pollution. Furrowed black bark. This is a female tree, so the blue-black fall fruits will attract songbirds. Good choice for shade, as an accent plant or a vertical accent. A slow grower. Expected longevity: 100-200 years. Needs rich, acid soils for good growth. Takes dry or moist to wet soils, but will not tolerate long-standing water. High soil pH will lead to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage. Mulching over the roots (but not the trunk) will be helpful.
BT001508Nyssa sylvatica 'Zydeco Twist' // Zydeco Twist Contorted Blackgum
Tree. A unique, low-mounded form and interesting growth habit, with a central leader, pyramidal habit, & slightly contorted stems, twisted like those of a contorted filbert or a corkscrew willow. All sizes of twigs and stems are twisted and gnarled. Susceptible to leaf spot disease. Discovered in Louisiana and named by Dr. Todd Lasseigne, in reference to Louisiana-style Creole music and the twisted stems. Zone 4(5)-9. Deer-resistant. Grows to 20-35' tall and 15-20' wide. Dark green, glossy, lanceolate-elliptical leaves, average to good fall color, usually bright red to orange-red, w/ some yellow/purple. Flowers primarily male, so few fruits are produced. Tolerates sun to part shade. Needs acid soil.
BT001267 - BT001911