Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) | Native Fall Color Tree

Blackgum

15 Gallon

$169.00

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Blackgum

Nyssa sylvatica

A majestic native tree with spectacular orange-scarlet-purple fall foliage, attractive horizontal branching, and small dark blue fruits that birds love.

$169.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as Black Gum or Black Tupelo, is a majestic deciduous tree prized for its spectacular fall foliage, attractive horizontal branching, and glossy summer leaves. Native to eastern North America, this slow-to-moderate grower develops a pyramidal to oval-rounded crown with distinctive, tiered, horizontal branches. The ovate, dark green, lustrous leaves turn a stunning mix of orange, scarlet, yellow, and purple in autumn, rivaling any tree for fall color. Small, greenish-white flowers appear in spring, followed by small, dark blue, olive-like fruits (drupes) that are highly attractive to birds and wildlife. Exceptionally long-lived and pest-free, it is an outstanding choice for a specimen shade tree in large landscapes, but it absolutely requires acidic soil (pH below 6.5) to thrive.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Ovate, lustrous, dark green leaves (turning brilliant orange, scarlet, yellow, and purple in fall); small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers in spring; small, dark blue, olive-like drupes in fall (if male tree nearby) .
Mature Height: 30-50 ft
Mature Spread: 20-40 ft
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 3-9 ; Sunset 2-10, 14-21
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Core Benefits: Spectacular multi-colored fall foliage, attractive horizontal branching, pest-free, long-lived, edible fruits for birds and wildlife.
Best Uses: Specimen shade tree, large landscapes, naturalized areas, parks, wildlife gardens, fall color focal point.

Q: What are the absolute soil requirements for Black Tupelo?
A: It absolutely requires acidic soil (pH below 6.5). It will not thrive and may develop chlorosis (yellowing leaves) in neutral or alkaline soils. Test your soil pH before planting; if too high, consider a different tree or plant in a container.

Q: How large does Black Tupelo get?
A: It is a medium to large tree, typically reaching 30-50 feet in height and 20-40 feet in spread at maturity, with a pyramidal to oval-rounded crown.

Q: What is the fall color like?
A: The fall color is spectacular and multi-toned, with leaves turning brilliant shades of orange, scarlet, yellow, and purple, often all on the same branch. It is one of the best native trees for fall color.

Q: Does it produce fruit?
A: Yes, but Black Tupelo is dioecious (male and female trees). Female trees produce small, dark blue, olive-like drupes in fall only if a male tree is nearby for pollination. The fruits are edible but tart, and are a valuable food source for birds and wildlife.

Q: Is it a good choice for street planting?
A: It can be used as a street tree if given adequate space, but its slow growth, need for acidic soil, and sensitivity to salt and pollution make it less ideal for harsh urban conditions than some other species.