Native; grows in the majority of the eastern and southern US.
Slow-growing growing and tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions, being found growing anywhere from dry slopes to the water's edge.
Leaves are simple, smooth, and oval shaped and arranged alternately, and have vibrant fall colors ranging from red to gold.
Can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, various soil textures and drainages, and prefers acidic soil.
Attracts a wide variety of animals and insects
Resistant to various common issues such as fire, drought, and deer damage.
Hardiness zones 3-9
Sentimental and Symbolic Value
This tree is especially important to the South, where tupelo honey is an important crop and where it is commonplace in swampy areas such as the bayous of Mississippi and Louisiana. Its honey, and by extension the tree, are of famously high quality, making the tree an attractive centerpiece in an upscale garden.
The names of the popular song Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison, the prominent grunge band Tupelo Honey, and the city of Tupelo, MS - famous for being the birthplace of Elvis Pressley - all pay homage to this tree.
Specimen photographed found at Breakheart Reservation, Saugus, Massachusetts. Part of the Woodland Plants assignment (10/6/2021).
Plant History and Etymology
The genus name Nyssa originates in ancient Greek Nûsa, which is the name of a mountainous region in mythology. The black gum's flowers have long been used as a source of honey and its hard, heavy wood is commonly used for firewood, pallets and other rough woodwork. Its twigs are sometimes used by Native Americans for various uses including dipping tobacco. Today, the tree is mainly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, and as a source of nectar in beekeeping and honey production.
Design Considerations
The black gum is a common native tree planted by designers as it has high wildlife value, very showy fall colors, and is fairly resilient. Its berries, which ripen in late summer and early fall, are eaten by birds, turkeys, bears, and small mammals. The hollow formed in the tree is used as shelter for small reptiles and amphibians, and the spring flowers are a nectar source for bees. The autumn leaves are highly attractive, most often bright red but also coming in a variety of other colors. The tree has a small amount of winter interest as well due to its dark, interestingly textured bark. Its branches arch upward from the trunk and then spread out nearly horizontally to create a large canopy. It does well as an erosion control plant, thriving in erosion-prone areas such as swamps, abandoned fields and hills.
Sources
“Nyssa Sylvatica (Black-Gum, Black Tupelo): Go Botany.” 2021. Nativeplanttrust.org. 2021. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/nyssa/sylvatica/.
“Nyssa Sylvatica (Blackgum, Black Gum, Black Tupelo, Nyssa, Pepperidge, Sour Gum) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.” 2021. Ncsu.edu. 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/nyssa-sylvatica/.
“USDA Plants Database.” 2021. Usda.gov. 2021. https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=NYSY.
“Savannah Bee Company.” 2021. Savannah Bee Company. 2021. https://savannahbee.com/tupelo.