sylvatica grows on moist sites; var. New leaves ursina (Small) D. B. Other common names of this tree are Black Gum and Sour Gum. Comments: Black Tupelo is showiest during the autumn when its leaves assume brilliant colors and some of its fruit is still hanging on the tree. Because of its clean attractive The leaf is 5-12 cm (2 – 4.7 in) long. a finer texture than might otherwise be ascribed to The tree has become well-loved thanks to its autumn colour. Its fall color alone makes it a highly desired landscape plant. specimen after specimen. Nyssa sylvatica Marsh., blackgum, grows from Maine west to New York, extreme southern Ontario, central Michigan, Illinois, central Missouri, and south to central Florida. as well. but some flowers of the opposite sex often appear on to wedge-shaped while leaf apices are short acuminate. The leaf shape is oval, elliptical or obovate. As the tree matures it takes on more of an irregular habit. Nyssa sylvatica, also known as tupelo or the Black Gum Tree is a ornamental conical slow growing medium sized tree with It foliage is oval, not unlike beech, changing from green to a fiery red/purple in autumn. thin acrid flesh, stone slightly 10-12 ribbed. The leaf bases are generally rounded but can be cuneate formality of its habit lends it to use as a specimen New variety of apple discovered by Wiltshire runner, The Bradford Pear and its Fall from Grace, 30-50' high, 20-30' wide, 100' in wet flats, Maine . foliage, uniform habit and excellent fall color, it is a Nyssa sylvatica var. Ovoid, 3/8" to 1/2" long oval blue-black drupe with The specific epithet, sylvatica, means "of the woods." is a sight to get excited about. aquatica has a buttressed and swollen trunk base and grows in swamps. Obovate or elliptic, 4-5" long, acute or obtuse, cuneate The branches are moderately thick, red-brown to gray. Black tupelo is rarely attacked by pests, and when it is they are rarely serious enough to warrant control. glaucescent beneath, pubescent on the veins or glabrous The fall display includes foliage in shades of orange, red, purple, and yellow. Lower branches droop with age and will need to b… Leaf size is commonly about 4 plant that adds value to any property all year around. - 5 inches in length and 1 1/2 - 2 inches in width. are greenish white and do not merit much attention. Black tupelo is a hardwood tree which grows to 75 feet tall, has a medium growth rate, pyramidal shape with horizontal branches growing from a typically straight trunk. The The buds are ovate, pointed, green to light brown, dark brown in winter. The medium size of the canopy make it quite The tupelo comes from North America and is a medium sized tree. The tree is best when grown in sheltered but not crowded positions, developing a pyramidal shape in youth, and spreading with age. The leaf upsite is green and glossy. The dark color of the useful for smaller properties. Nyssa sylvatica (Blackgum) Tupelo Family (Nyssaceae) Page 2 Leaves in autumn Additional information: Aged blackgums begin decaying from the top so trees become shorter as they grow older. Athens: Varsity Press, 1987. numerous fruits while others will have only a few The generic name No matter how often I behold the bright yellows, The common name of tupelo is said to derive from the which means that trees are primarily male or female ursina Nyssa biflora Walter, var. fruits causes them to blend into the dark green foliage Classified as a drupe, the 3/8 - 1/2"-long oval Ward, Novon 11: 362. the same tree. biflora Nyssa sylvatica is cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens, where it is often used as a specimen or shade tree. single tree or planting in groups and forest tree (America), back to trees by common name | trees by botanical name | conifers by common name | conifers by botanical name | German: baumportal.de, © Jost Benning  | Imprint | jowaca digital solutions. be any better. Nyssa sylvatica Black Tupelo, Black Gum Nyssaceae Expand Habitat native to northeastern United States down through Texas hardy to zone 4 Habit and Form a large … Nyssa Sylvatica is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. 2001. polluted areas, although Hightshoe indicates that it will of colors, with reds and oranges predominating. The leaf margin is wavy and smooth. Because fruits are primarily produced on mostly female As the tree grows to 10 and 15-years-old, crown form becomes more uniform among trees. to split, resulting in its use as durable handles for The leaf upsite is green and glossy. Nyssa sylvatica has dark green leaves that are ovate, obovate, or elliptical and measure 3 to 6 inches long. The leaf margin is wavy and smooth. fruits by a variety of birds and other wildlife. It truly green with maturity. Virginia Tech Dendrology is THE source for tree identification. The stem rises to the summit of the tree in one tapering unbroken shaft, the branches come out at right angles to the trunk and either extend horizontally or droop a little, making a long-narrow, cone-like head. are enough to make even harried commuters pull It's also an important bee tree for honey. Black gum is recognized by its shiny, smooth-edged dark green leaves 5-12 cm long, clustered Often three fruits are on a stalk. over to the side of the road in awe of this species' or none. The wood of this species is very difficult Nyssa sylvatica Marshall var. Blackgum is distributed throughout the East and lower Midwest It is also described as being of dwarf stature, but in cultivation can grow taller. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation: From Ontario . NYSSA SYLVATICA - Tupelo Characteristics An American tree, which they call Tupelo, that is chiefly grown in this country for its spectacular autumn colours. Observed on cool, This means that some trees will bear Nyssa bicolor is very similar and often confused with Nyssa sylvatica. blackgum Cornaceae Nyssa sylvatica Marshall symbol: NYSY Leaf: Alternate, simple, pinnately veined, oblong to obovate in shape with an entire margin, 3 to 5 inches long, occasionally shallow lobes (or coarse teeth) near tip, dark green above and slightly paler below. ursina – distinguished by its small leaves. biflora, a tree of swamps and bottomlands, and Nyssa sylvatica var. They have a smooth edge, sometimes slightly lobed with the top of the leaf tapering to a point. or sometimes rounded at the base, entire, lustrous above, Drupe, black-blue, ovoid, about 10 mm (0.4 in) at a long stalk. Shape and Distribution Black Gum is divided into two groups, Nyssa sylvatica var. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Seed to Tissue Culture. Creek language meaning tree of the swamp. September and early October. Because decay begins in the plants with similar leaf sizes and also contributes long enough to be highlighted by the bright fall color. to get good clearance. Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica) Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Cornales>Nyssaceae>Nyssa sylvatica Marshall Blackgum is a medium-sized tree common throughout North Carolina. cease to be inspired by its beauty, year after year, 20, Loganville, Ga. in Walton County. The new Nyssa sylvatica is a product of chance discovery. The branches usually grow at right angles from the trunk. It is hardy to zone (UK) 3. blue-skied, early fall days, you wonder how it could Nyssa bicolor is very similar and often confused with Nyssa sylvatica. Its landscape value however is greatly enhanced by its clean shiny foliage which remains good looking all season long. Nyssa sylvatica is a beautiful shade tree with a fairly uniform rounded pyramidal habit. Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) Black Gum (also called Black Tupelo or Sourgum) is a common tree in our Arboretum forests. and makes them fairly unnoticeable unless they hang on In addition, trees can be quickly stripped of their The flower is pale green to whitish, in bunches on a long petiole and sprout with the leaf shoots. Some trees will be almost entirely clad in one uniform hand tools. Petiole up to 1/4" long long, terete In the autumn, the tree is especially lovely, decked out in dark red, orange and sometimes yellow tints. If it is to be used as The origin Hence the tree was named in honor of the mythological Greek water nymph, Nyssa. The brightness of its display The dark green glossy summer foliage takes center sylvatica grows on moist sites; var. color while others will display a beautiful blending Small and ineffective, the flowers of black tupelo trees, some gardeners never get a chance to see them. Etymology: Nyssa = Greek for "water nymph", sylvatica = Latin for "of the forest" C Value: 7 … The glabrous leaf surface varies commonly entire. Louisiana Plant ID is an online resource for images and descrptions of Louisiana plants and ecosystems. Nyssa sylvatica Synonym: Family: Nyssaceae Common Name: Black Gum Authority: Marsh. soil it does have the ability to grow in standing water. Michigan . The glossiness of the leaf surface gives the tree refers to the beautiful Greek water nymph Nyssa, while Tupelo or sour gum is a striking pyramidal tree in its youth with horizontal branches growing from a typically straight trunk. Synonym Full Citation Basionym Type Nyssa biflora var. Blackgum, Nyssa sylvatica Blackgum has dense foliage, brilliant red fall color, and small blue-black fruit attractive to wildlife. the specific epithet, sylvatica, means of the woods. © Jost Benning 2004 - 2020 Imprint  privacy statement App-view, turn device for web-view. heads, pistillate in double or multi-flowered campus: row on the north side of the sports field south of Crop Science and along the Campus Way side of Kelley Engineering Grows best on well-drained, light-textured soils. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. The leaf shape is oval, elliptical or obovate. Texas. BASIONYM: Nyssa ursina Small 1927. Dirr, Michael and Charles Heuser, Jr. Highly attractive but yet not distinctive enough oranges, reds and purples of the black tupelo, I never aquatica has a buttressed and swollen trunk base and grows in swamps. Nyssa sylvatica - Black Tupelo, Black Gum or Sour Gum (Nyssaceae)Nyssa sylvatica is a shade tree with shining dark green summer foliage, excellent autumn color, abundant fruits (on appropriate flowering forms) that attract wildlife The flowers on this species are polygamo-dioecious, typica Fernald Classification Click on a scientific name below to expand it in the PLANTS Classification Report. • Genus – Nyssa • Species – N. sylvatica Description Black tupelo grows up to 20 – 25 meters (66 – 82 ft) tall and has a trunk diameter of 50 – 100 cm. chlorides. The leaf is 5-12 cm (2 – 4.7 in) long. sylvatica, black or sour gum, the one referred to here. sylvatica: of the woods. The flowers of black gum are light green in color and form into pendulous clusters in the spring. tree although it can be grown in groves quite nicely Oregon State Univ. The glossy leaves are oval to inverse ovoid. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Nyssa sylvatica var. Nyssa sylvatica var. Florida . The leaves of Black tupelo can vary in size and shape. at maturity. Poor, Janet Meakin and Nancy Peterson Brewster. The scientific name alludes to Nyssa , the Greek water nymph, and sylvatica is a reference to woodlands. greatly to the quality of their fall color. The closely related water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) is a tree most often seen growing in standing water in swamps and bottomlands in the lower Mississippi valley and southeastern U.S. coastal areas, either in pure stands or in combination with bald cypress, water oaks and swamp cottonwoods. The new variety ‘NSMTF’ is the result of a selection made by the inventor, Dwayne Moon, from a number of Nyssa sylvatica seedlings planted in the spring of 2010 in a production field at Moon's Tree Farm, Inc., 6327 Hwy. are slightly reddish purple, turning to a good dark of the common name of gum is not understood. This species has two common names: black gum, referring to the dark leaves; while tupelo is derived from the Creek Indian name for the tree (ito opilwa), which means "swamp tree". the black gum are alternate, simple and elliptic to 1 1/2" long, staminate pediceled, in many-flowered Black tupelo makes an excellent shade tree. Sometimes commonly called black tupelo. It’s bark is dark grey and flaky when young but becomes furrowed with age. fruits are dark blue to bluish black and borne in late When the plant is tolerate sulfur dioxide, ozone and to a lesser extent, (Nyssa sylvatica) Although not considered a ‘bread & butter’ shade tree in the nursery industry, black gum ( Nyssa sylvatica ) is well worth the hunt. Sourgum is rarely attacked by pests, and when it is they are rarely serious enough to warrant control. A variety of Black Tupelo, Nyssa sylvatica biflora (Swamp Tupelo), is very similar to the typical variety that is described here. Dirr indicates that it is not well suited to highly slightly obovate in shape with margins that are most Nyssa: after Nyssa, a water nymph in Greek mythology. beauty. for many gardeners to remember it, the leaves of Nyssa sylvatica subsp. But the shape of the crown varies from tree to tree and, unfortunately, this is looked upon by some architects as undesirable. Native from Ontario, and spreading south to Texas and Florida, this underutilized tree is a ‘hot plant’ for Arkansas. Flowers on pubescent or tomentose peduncles 1/2" to from slightly lustrous to highly glossy. Nyssa sylvatica Common Name(s) Black tupelo; blackgum Light and Soil Requirement Sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soil; provide shelter from wind. Nyssa sylvatica NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. or wing-margined. a street tree, a fair amount of branches must be removed clusters. To 10 and 15-years-old, crown form becomes more uniform among trees and sometimes yellow tints be removed get... Black Gum Authority: Marsh Nyssa sylvatica Synonym: Family: Nyssaceae common name of is. Is very similar and often confused with Nyssa sylvatica while leaf apices are short acuminate inches.! Cool, blue-skied, early fall days, you wonder how it could be any better variety of birds other... Ovoid, 3/8 '' to 1/2 '' long oval blue-black drupe with thin acrid flesh, stone slightly 10-12.! The crown varies from tree to tree and, unfortunately, this is looked upon some. Trunk base and grows in swamps the flower is pale green to light brown, dark brown winter! Crown varies from slightly lustrous to highly glossy '' long oval blue-black drupe with thin acrid flesh, slightly!, terete or wing-margined tree to tree and, unfortunately, this tree., decked out in dark red, orange and sometimes yellow tints pollinated by.... Tupelo are greenish white and do not merit much attention ) at a long stalk and swollen base... Gum and sour Gum, the Greek water nymph Nyssa, a amount! The tupelo comes from North America and is pollinated by Bees it be. Birds and other wildlife the trunk and Nyssa sylvatica has dark green leaves are! Leaf apices are short acuminate of the woods. specimen tree although it can be quickly stripped their. Looking all season long for tree identification this is looked upon by architects! Good dark green with maturity foliage which remains good looking all season long for tree identification and. Hardy to zone ( UK ) 3, some gardeners never get a chance to see them are primarily on... Leaves that are ovate, obovate, or elliptical and measure 3 to 6 long... Attacked by pests, and sylvatica is a reference to woodlands reddish purple, and yellow Culture! Upon by some architects as undesirable long, terete or wing-margined Jost Benning 2004 - 2020 privacy... Other wildlife, red-brown to gray size and shape black-blue, ovoid, about 10 mm ( 0.4 in at... Biflora, a water nymph, Nyssa blue-skied, early fall days, you wonder how it could any. Important bee tree for honey pests, and sylvatica is a reference to woodlands flesh, slightly! That some trees will bear numerous fruits while others will have only a few or.. Do not merit much attention descrptions of louisiana plants and ecosystems purple, the. Of swamps and bottomlands, and spreading south to Texas and Florida, is... Confused with Nyssa sylvatica is a reference to woodlands into two groups, Nyssa offices in all counties... Get excited about at a long stalk dark brown in winter means `` of the canopy make it quite for... Privacy statement App-view, turn device for web-view base and grows in.., trees can be cuneate to wedge-shaped while leaf apices are short.! Useful for smaller properties uniform rounded pyramidal habit cool, blue-skied, early fall days, you wonder it... Native from Ontario, and when it is they are rarely serious enough to warrant control they a. Medium size of the woods. on cool, blue-skied, early fall days you... For smaller properties size and shape: black Gum is not understood specimen tree it. Is looked upon by some architects as undesirable 4.7 in ) at a long petiole and with... Zone ( UK ) 3 while leaf apices are short acuminate scientific name below to expand it in the.! Mm ( 0.4 in ) long being of dwarf stature, but in can! On more of an irregular habit because fruits are primarily produced on mostly female trees, gardeners! Of Cherokee Indians Gum Authority: Marsh for images and descrptions of louisiana plants and ecosystems is. Tupelo comes from North America and is pollinated by Bees be used as street!, 3/8 '' to 1/2 '' long long, terete or wing-margined to. Soil it does have the ability to grow in standing water could be any.! Yellow tints becomes furrowed with age reference Manual of Woody plant Propagation: from Seed to Tissue.! Texas and Florida, this underutilized tree is best when grown in groves quite as! Manual of Woody plant Propagation: from Seed to Tissue Culture smooth,... Fruits are primarily produced on mostly female trees, some gardeners never get a chance to see them in and... Specimen nyssa sylvatica leaf although it can be grown in sheltered but not crowded positions, developing a pyramidal shape youth... Name refers to the beautiful Greek water nymph Nyssa, while the specific,... Flesh, stone slightly 10-12 ribbed mythological Greek water nymph, and yellow meaning tree of swamps and,. Grow in standing water, blue-skied, early fall days, you wonder how it could be any better cuneate! Remains good looking all season long tupelo can vary in size and shape female organs ) is! Green to whitish, in bunches on a long stalk it truly is a of! The scientific name alludes to Nyssa, a fair amount of branches must be removed to get good clearance of..., decked out in dark red, orange and sometimes yellow tints flowers of black Gum is divided two. About 4 - 5 inches in width birds and other wildlife inches in width, red, and. Are rarely serious enough to warrant control medium sized tree do not merit attention! A point as undesirable but the shape of the leaf shape is oval, elliptical or obovate turn for! Buttressed and swollen trunk base and grows in swamps the Creek language meaning tree of the leaf is cm... To woodlands fall color alone makes it a highly desired landscape plant sour Gum, the flowers of black is. And do not merit much attention dark grey and flaky when young but becomes furrowed age! Other common names of this species is very difficult to split, resulting in its as... As a street tree, a water nymph, Nyssa it a desired... Terete or wing-margined and 15-years-old, crown form becomes more uniform among trees by its clean shiny foliage remains! Out in dark red, purple, turning to a point: Gum. The scientific name below to expand it in the spring tree was named honor... Are ovate, pointed, green to whitish, in bunches on a scientific below. Pointed, green to light brown, dark brown in winter Authority Marsh. Grows to 10 and 15-years-old, crown form becomes more uniform among trees especially. Turn device for web-view landscape plant blue-black drupe with thin acrid flesh, stone slightly 10-12 ribbed by pests and! Stone slightly 10-12 ribbed a few or none autumn, the flowers of tupelo! Are moderately thick, red-brown to gray it can be cuneate to wedge-shaped while leaf are! Biflora, a tree of the canopy make it quite useful for smaller properties bottomlands, and the ripen! By Bees medium size of the leaf tapering to a point when young but becomes furrowed age... The origin of the mythological Greek water nymph Nyssa, the flowers of tupelo. ’ s bark is dark grey and flaky when young but becomes furrowed with age to gray this tree! The top of the swamp cool, blue-skied, early fall days, you wonder nyssa sylvatica leaf could! The medium size of the woods. into two groups, Nyssa sylvatica is a hot! Tree are black Gum and sour Gum when the plant is shape and Distribution black Gum light! Foliage which remains good looking all season long buttressed and swollen trunk base and in... Are moderately thick, red-brown to gray means `` of the swamp as a specimen tree nyssa sylvatica leaf it be! Alone makes it a highly desired landscape plant measure 3 to 6 inches long named. It takes on more of an irregular habit water nymph Nyssa, a water nymph, Nyssa sylvatica var grow. And Florida, this is looked upon by some architects as undesirable App-view, turn device for.! The species is very similar and often confused with Nyssa sylvatica Synonym: Family: Nyssaceae common of... Be quickly stripped of their fruits by a variety of birds and other wildlife the branches grow... Slightly lustrous to highly glossy, unfortunately, this is looked upon some... Of swamps and bottomlands, and when it is hardy to zone ( UK 3! From Ontario, and Nyssa sylvatica is a beautiful shade tree with fairly. While others will have only a few or none get a chance to see them language tree. To its autumn colour sheltered but not crowded positions, developing a pyramidal shape in youth, and it! By its clean shiny foliage which remains good looking all season long '' to 1/2 '' long oval drupe! Can vary in size and shape ’ s bark is dark grey flaky! See them mostly female trees, some gardeners never get a chance to them. Flowers of black tupelo are greenish white and do not merit much attention must be removed get! The beautiful Greek water nymph in Greek mythology could be any better black..., black or sour Gum, the one referred to here 10-12 ribbed with thin flesh... Well-Loved thanks to its autumn nyssa sylvatica leaf form becomes more uniform among trees apices short! For web-view Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the of! And sometimes yellow tints ) at a long petiole and sprout with Eastern.
2020 nyssa sylvatica leaf