Plant Database
Blackgum
Nyssa sylvatica
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.