A native of North America, the black tupelo tree is a beautiful ornamental tree. The deciduous tree is distinguished by its oval, dark green glossy leaves, bark that resembles alligator skin, clusters of greenish-white blooms, and blue-black fruit. It’s also known as the black gum or sour gum. The bright orange, brilliant red, yellow, or purple hues of the tupelo trees’ spectacular fall foliage are a highlight.
The magnificent black tupelo tree is covered in this article. This tree can be recognized in landscapes using descriptions and images of its identifying qualities. In addition, you’ll learn how to establish a black tupelo landscape tree in your front or back yard.
About Black Tupelo Tree (Nyssa sylvatica)
The black tupelo tree (Nyssa sylvatica) belongs to the Nyssaceae family of plants and has gorgeous autumn hues. With branches extending horizontally from the main trunk, a black tupelo tree has a wide conical shape. The black tupelo is distinguished by its dense, glossy green leaves, pyramidal form, inconspicuous blossoms, and dark-colored edible fruits.
The black tupelo tree, which grows about 12″ (30 cm) per year, is classified as a medium-sized deciduous tree. In ideal circumstances, the decorative tree may reach a height of 50 to 80 feet (15–24 meters). In residential settings, on the other hand, the typical black tupelo grows to be 30 to 50 feet (10 to 15 meters) tall.
The black tupelo is suitable for planting in USDA zones 4 through 9 as an attractive landscape tree for temperate climates. Full sun, evenly moist, well-drained soils, and protection from chilly breezes are the ideal growing conditions. The tupelo tree is not considered a cluttered one. Birds devour them all before they fall to the ground, despite the fact that they yield meaty dark-blue to black berries.
If the drupes fall on driveways or sidewalks, though, there may be some cleaning up to do. Black tupelo trees don’t lose twigs and small branches easily, and the branching structure is relatively robust. Black tupelo blooms, on the other hand, don’t produce a mess.
In parks and huge gardens, the most frequent purpose for black tupelo trees is as an ornamental shade or specimen tree. This gorgeous tree has a conical shape that makes it look even more intriguing. In a fall landscape, on the other hand, the tree becomes one of the most stunning. Among the colorful autumn trees, the black tupelo is considered a member of the brilliant group. The vivid reds, oranges, and yellows of the black tupelo are regarded as more stunning than maples, sweet gum trees, dogwoods, and sassafras by many people.
Black gum tree, sour gum tree, and Nyssa pepperidge are some of the other names for black tupelo trees. The tree does not have the “gummy” resin characteristic of sweet gum trees, despite its popular name of black gum. Moreover, unlike the unrelated sweet gum tree, the black gum tree has no spiky balls.
The black tupelo’s botanical name, Nyssa sylvatica, alludes to its affinity for growing near water. A mythological water nymph named Nyssa. As a result, black gum trees are frequently found near streams and marshes.
Black Tupelo Tree Leaves
The black tupelo tree has oblong leaves with a pointed tip that are dark, glossy green in color and leathery in texture. The leaves are 2″ to 5″ (2.5 to 13 cm) long and up to 3″ (7.5 cm) broad and have an oval or elliptical shape. On twigs, the simple, thick leaves alternate in pairs.
As the season progresses, black tupelo leaves change from rich red to reddish-purple. Golden yellow, warm orange, and purple are other colors of black tupelo leaves. In an autumn landscape, the black tupelo’s falling foliage is easy to see. The black tupelo is a welcome addition to a landscape for more than just its autumn colors. The glossy coating on the leathery green pointed leaves shields them from the summer sun, resulting in beautiful green hues.
Black Tupelo Tree Flowers
Black tupelo tree blossomspink clusters of greenish white blossoms in the spring and are covered with black tupelo blossoms. Little conical clusters of inconspicuous flowers known as umbels grow on the plant. Unfortunately, between the glossy green leaves, the flowers are difficult to see.
The nectar of black tupelo blooms attracts pollinators and honeybees, making it a sought-after commodity. Black tupelo honey is popular among honey producers when combined with the numerous other species of tupelo. Honey from black tupelo trees has a delicate, mild flavor and commands a premium price.
Black Tupelo Tree Bark
On immature trees, bark on mature black tupelo trees is smooth and reddish-brown. As the tree grows older, it develops deep furrows and a scaly appearance with a defined pattern. The black tupelo’s medium-gray to reddish bark, which has the appearance of alligator hide, is one of its distinguishing characteristics.
Black tupelo trees have distinctive reddish twigs and branches that help to distinguish them. The pale twigs have a grayish outer layer and are crimson-brown in hue. Moreover, the tree’s autumn foliage color is enhanced by the red pigment found on leaf branches.
Black Tupelo Tree Fruit
A tiny blue-purple berry-like drupe grows on the fruit of a black tupelo tree. Each stone is surrounded by sour-tasting flesh in each little, round dark purple fruit. On slender red stalks, the dark egg-shaped drupes grow in clusters of one to three berries. They are 0.4″ (10 mm) long.
Black tupelo fruits have a strong acidic flavor that may be enjoyed. Preserves, jellies, jams, juice, and baking can all be made with black tupelo drupe. Birds and other animals like the bitter-tasting black fruits.
Black Tupelo Tree Identification
A straight trunk with gray bark that looks like alligator skin, a conical crown, leathery green leaves, clusters of tiny black oval fruits, and inconspicuous flowers distinguish a black tupelo tree. Because of its bright red leaves that cover the spreading limbs, black tupelo is easy to spot in the autumn.
Where to Plant Black Tupelo Tree
In full sun or partial shade, the black tupelo tree thrives. Deep, acidic soil that stays evenly moist is the ideal place to plant a tree. While black tupelo thrives on damp soil, it can survive drought in a pinch. The planting site must have deep soil because of their large taproot.
When deciding where to put a black tupelo tree, it’s important to consider carefully. The deep taproot makes it difficult to transplant without damaging it once it’s established in the ground. Therefore, make sure that building foundations, power lines, and other structures won’t be compromised by the size of the mature tree. Also, plant away from pathways or sidewalks since you may anticipate some fruit to fall.
When they are planted, black tupelo trees need certain conditions. Alkaline soil, for example, prevents trees from growing and causes them to die young. Moreover, tree stress caused by air or soil pollution is exacerbated by urbanization.
How to Plant Black Tupelo Tree
Dig a hole that is big enough to hold the deep roots of the black tupelo tree when you’re planting one. Next, to raise acidity, mix a generous portion of compost into the soil. Plant the tree level with the surrounding soil and fill with amended acidic soil when the hole is ready.
To eliminate any air pockets, continue pushing down on the soil as you add it to the hole. After that, stake the black tupelo to prevent it from being blown away by strong winds. Next, to help retain moisture and prevents weeds from growing, add 1” to 3” (2.5 – 7.5 cm) of organic mulch. Just make sure you leave at least 6 inches (15 cm) of mulch around the tree.
Black Tupelo Tree Landscape Uses
A black tupelo tree may grow 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) in size in a garden landscape. The tree is an excellent option for low landscape areas because it can tolerate wet, well-drained soils. In highly shaded gardens or alkaline soil, however, the black tupelo will struggle. In rural regions without environmental pollution, the black tupelo thrives.
As a single specimen, shade tree, or in small groups, the tree’s attractive pyramidal shape is stunning. The trees should, however, be kept away from garages and sidewalks since they may create a lot of clutter if many fruits fall.
Black Tupelo Tree Care Guide
When grown in the garden, black tupelo trees need little attention. Watered soil and brief spells of dry weather are tolerated by flowering ornamental trees. Moreover, to establish a robust branching system, the trees don’t need much pruning. They are also resistant to insect and disease pests. Caring for a black tupelo tree is easy with these tips.
How to Water Black Tupelo Tree
You should water a black tupelo tree frequently when it’s young, especially in wet soil. When the soil is kept evenly moist, the best foliage grows on trees. If there has been no rain for a long time, it is vital to thoroughly water the tree.
When the tree is young, water black tupelo twice a week with soil. Water for 45 minutes every time with a sprinkler system. You may run the sprinkler for 45 minutes once a week to water an established black tupelo tree, only during dry times. Black tupelo trees, on the other hand, are drought tolerant. As a result, mature trees may tolerate relatively dry soils. The black gum tree, on the other hand, can grow in standing water and tolerate poorly-drained soils.
How to Fertilize a Black Tupelo Tree
Fertilizing a black tupelo tree once a year in the autumn is beneficial. For trees, use a slow-release granular fertilizer. For a black gum tree, how much fertilizer should you apply? Measure the trunk’s diameter at a height of 4 feet (1.2 meters) above the ground. Then divide 1 inch of trunk diameter by 2 cups of fertilizer.
Starting at the trunk and extending it 1.5 times the distance from the trunk to the end of branch tips, evenly distribute the granules on the soil. Next, to ensure that the fertilizer gets into the soil, thoroughly water the land.
Pruning Black Tupelo Tree
In late autumn or winter, you only have to prune dead or diseased branches on the black tupelo tree, which has minimal pruning requirements. To improve the tree’s shape, you can also prune weaker branches or those that are drooping downward. You can trim damaged branches at any time of year, despite the fact that the dormant season is ideal.
Black Tupelo Tree Propagation
Seed is the most effective way to grow a black tupelo tree. Cuttings from black tupelos are difficult to root and frequently fail to develop. Seeds, on the other hand, need to be stratified or planted as soon as possible after collection for them to germinate.
You should store black tupelo seeds in a moist medium in a plastic bag at room temperature for 30 to 60 days after collecting them from the black tupelo drupes. Next, put the seeds in partial shade in a damp potting medium. Keep moist and cover with plastic until seedlings appear. Lastly, the following spring, you may plant the seedlings in the earth.
Pests Affecting Black Tupelo Tree Growth
If they grow in moist soil and get enough sunlight, black tupelo trees are generally resistant to insects and pests. This is because common tree pests like aphids, caterpillars, and other sap-sucking insects are deterred by the tree’s thick leathery leaves. Black twig borers, tupelo leaf miners, and scale insects are all pests that affect black tupelo.
Tupelo leaf miner moth (Antispila nysaefoliella): The leaves of black tupelo trees are mined by the larvae of this little black moth, resulting in unsightly brown blotches and holes. Between the leaf veins, the brown marks progress down the length of the leaf. During the months of August and September, larvae are active.
Black twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus): Healthy trees, such as black tupelo trees, are attacked by small black beetles. The beetles lay eggs in twigs as they burrow inside. The twig becomes hollow as a result of the hatched larvae feeding on the softwood inside it. Wither twigs and branches as a consequence.
Scale insects On black tupelo twigs and limbs, these growths appear to be rough. Since they remain in one location, sap-sucking insects are difficult to locate. Learn how to scale bug removal here.
Diseases Affecting Black Tupelo Tree Growth
Because they thrive in damp soil and succumb to root rot less quickly than other ornamental trees, black tupelo trees are more resistant to disease. Black tupelo leaves may turn yellow, curl up, and even die if they are infected with certain foliar diseases caused by fungal infections.
Verticillium wilt The root system of trees, particularly the black tupelo, is affected by a soil fungus illness. Premature drop can occur when the illness advances and causes leaves to turn yellow or develop stunted growth. Remove all afflicted branches and foliage, and delete any evidence of verticillium wilt.
Phytophthora Because fungus-like creatures flourish in wet soils, they may harm black tupelo trees. The leaves may wilt and display symptoms of water shortage due to the disease. Root rot or crown rot may develop as a result. It’s preferable to enhance drainage and allow the roots to dry if you detect symptoms of phytophthora. Any mulch from the root area may need to be removed.
Fusarium wilt Turns yellow, shrivel up, and die leaves when they are infected with verticillium wilt. Branch dieback is a severe infection that may lead to the death of a previously healthy tree. Remove all dead wood and foliage from a tree to keep it healthy.