Nyssa sylvatica

42.14294815, -87.78515625

42.14767075, -87.79032135

42.14797974, -87.79227448

42.1480217, -87.79219055

42.1480484, -87.79226685

42.14859772, -87.78887939

42.14861679, -87.78546143

42.14863968, -87.78549957

42.14865112, -87.78538513

42.14866638, -87.7855072

42.1486969, -87.7855072

42.1487236, -87.78553772

42.14873886, -87.78556061

42.14874268, -87.78551483

42.14874649, -87.78775024

42.14876938, -87.78556061

42.14877319, -87.78559875

42.14878082, -87.78555298

42.14878464, -87.7856369

42.14881134, -87.78570557

42.14881897, -87.78905487

42.14883041, -87.78565216

42.14883804, -87.78913879

42.14884949, -87.78885651

42.15012741, -87.78771973

42.15047073, -87.78840637

42.15065002, -87.78852844

42.15081406, -87.79183197

42.15119934, -87.79225159

42.15131378, -87.79237366

42.15136719, -87.79225159

42.15153122, -87.79226685

Black Tupelo

Nyssa sylvatica is a beautiful shade tree native in all but the coldest parts of the eastern United States. Common names include sourgum, black tupelo, black gum, and pepperidge. Sourgum has large, glossy, alternating, ovate leaves, broader towards the tip. In autumn, the foliage reliably becomes a brilliant scarlet-red. The tiny yellow-green flowers become dark blue-black berries. These are unpalatable to humans, but relished by birds and bears. Its cousin Nyssa aquatica is found in wetter habitats with a more restricted southerly range. The trees require moist, rich soils and tend to struggle in the clay soils of the Chicago area.

Soil:
Moderate
Plant Shape:
Pyramidal
Exposure:
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Bloom Time:
May - June
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Green
Landscape Use:
Urban Street
Shade Tree
Wildlife Interest:
Attracts Birds
Native to Midwest
Plant Type:
Tree
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 8