How do you identify a tupelo tree?
A black tupelo tree is identified by its straight trunk with gray bark resembling alligator skin, a conical crown, leathery green leaves, clusters of small black oval fruits, and inconspicuous flowers. In the fall, it's easy to recognize black tupelo due to its vibrant red leaves that cover the spreading branches.
How big does a black tupelo tree get?
Mature Size The black tupelo grows to a height of 30–50' and a spread of 20–30' at maturity.
How fast does a black tupelo tree grow?
Growth Rate This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.
Are black tupelo trees messy?
It's not a “messy” tree. Any fruit that it bears will be eaten up by the birds – it really never seems to drop any. It doesn't constantly loose small twigs after strong winds. And since its flower isn't significant when it's in bloom, it's even less noticeable when the flower drops.
How long does a black tupelo tree live?
A medium size tree up to 70 feet and 3 feet d.b.h. it has the potential to reach over 100 feet on good sites and live to the ripe old age of 500 years.
How long do tupelo trees live?
It can grow up to a height of 35 meters but tends to stay between 20 and 25 when it is fully grown. It can live to be 650 years old, and during its lifetime will contribute to honey production for bees, an will supply berries that are an important source of food for birds.
What is tupelo tree good for?
Care and Uses for Tupelo Trees They make excellent shade trees and can serve as street trees where overhead wires aren't a concern. Use them to naturalize low, boggy areas and places with periodic flooding. Tupelo trees are an important food source for wildlife.
Do bees like black tupelo trees?
Nyssa sylvatica The Black Tupelo has gained attention for its attractive display of fall foliage. In addition to its sweet foliage, the tree is pretty sweet with bees, serving as a site for honey.
Do black gum trees have deep roots?
Although black gum often grows in swamps, it has been found growing well on dry sites and has shown the ability to tolerate droughts, which may be attributed to its genetic ability to grow a deep root system.
Are black gum trees toxic to dogs?
The tree is not toxic to dogs and cats, but the seedpods do present a different type of health threat if your pet were to step on one.
How do you prune a black tupelo?
Black gum tree doesn't require much pruning beyond trimming branches to retain your desired shape and removing any parts that are damaged, diseased, or dead. If any of the lower branches are drooping downward, you can prune those off if you wish to make walking around the tree easier.
Are black tupelo berries edible?
Like many trees, the Black Tupelo, also called the Black Gum tree and the Sour Gum, barely makes it into the edible realm. The pulp of its fruit is technically edible, extremely sour and extremely bitter, which is why it is usually used in sweetened preserves.
Is a black gum a good tree?
Black gum has several features that make it an excellent landscape tree. The alternately arranged, 3-inch long, dark green, glossy leaves and attractive fall color are perhaps the most distinctive features. The magnificent fall color is enhanced by siting trees in locations with more direct sunlight.
How do you prune a black tupelo?
Black gum tree doesn't require much pruning beyond trimming branches to retain your desired shape and removing any parts that are damaged, diseased, or dead. If any of the lower branches are drooping downward, you can prune those off if you wish to make walking around the tree easier.
Are black gum and tupelo the same?
Blackgum, or Black Tupelo, is a native deciduous tree that grows throughout North Carolina and can reach 50 to 80 feet tall, but typically reaches 20 to 30 feet in cultivation.
Is black gum same as black tupelo?
Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) is also commonly called blackgum, black tupelo, and sour gum. It is native to most of the eastern half of the U.S. and grows in a wide variety of soils. It can grow up to 100 feet tall, but 20-30 feet is more normal.
What is a black tupelo tree?
A tree of many monikers, the black tupelo is also known in various areas as a gum tree, sour gum, bowl gum, yellow gum or tupelo gum. Still others call it beetlebung, stinkwood, wild peartree or pepperidge. When combined with the several other tupelo species, these trees have the distinction of being favorites with honey producers.
What zone do black tupelos grow in?
The black tupelo can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4–9. View Map
How much sun does a sage tree need?
Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
How long are the leaves of a sage?
Features alternate, simple leaves 3–6" in length with an ovate, obovate or elliptical shape that are extremely glossy and dark green in the summer.
How tall does a sage tree grow?
Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. Makes a strong specimen tree. Grows 30'-50' high, with a 20'-30' spread. Prefers well-drained, acid soils, and full sun to partial shade. price Pricing Information.
What is the color of Nyssa sylvatica?
Summer leaves are a dark green with a high-gloss appearance, but the most spectacular part of this tree is the fall foliage with many shades of yellow, orange, bright red, purple or scarlet that may appear on the same branch. Bark matures to medium gray and resembles alligator hide.
How to identify a black tupelo tree?
Whenever I see a large tree that has single lobed leaves I usually say “what is that?” and it reminds me that that’s what I usually say when I see a black tupelo. There is one somewhat unique ID feature which is that the mid-height and lower branches grow out of the tree at almost 90 degrees then slope down unlike most trees where they are angled up. Also notice that the tree has many little black fruits in the fall, and a brilliant reddish colored leaf when the leaves change colors.
What is a black tepelo?
Black Tupelo ( Nyssa sylvatica) , also called black gum tree is a North Eastern American native tree producing edible fruit in the fall. There are 2 other species in the genus native to South Eastern US, they are the Ogeechee Lime ( Nyssa ogeche) and Water Tupelo ( Nyssa aquatica ), This article primarily focuses on Nyssa silvatica but many points could apply to either of the other species. Tupelo was a native American food, and the name “tupelo” comes from the native American muscogee language, meaning “swamp tree”, referring to the southern species of tupelo.
Where did the name Tupelo come from?
Tupelo was a native American food, and the name “tupelo” comes from the native American muscogee language, meaning “swamp tree”, referring to the southern species of tupelo.
Is a fruit tree edible?
The fruit is the only known edible part of the tree. The fruits are very tasty, somewhat sour but sweet enough to enjoy raw, there is no bitterness. There is one large seed in the fruit so the fruits aren’t as fleshy as they look.
Is Tupelo fruit good for you?
There is very little research done on the health benefits of Tupelo fruits.
Is Black Tupelo hardy?
Native Americans did not engage in the selective breeding of fruit trees as much as Europeans. Black Tupelo is hardy to zone 3, has great fall foliage and delicious fruits, find one or plant one for a great addition to your foraging ventures.
Is a black tupelo tree edible?
Black Tupelo is a great edible fruit tree. This is a plant that makes me wonder what a few thousand years of selective breeding would have gotten us, the fruits are not much smaller than wild cherry fruits and cherries are obviously a common fruit today. Native Americans did not engage in the selective breeding of fruit trees as much as Europeans. Black Tupelo is hardy to zone 3, has great fall foliage and delicious fruits, find one or plant one for a great addition to your foraging ventures.
How many species of tupelo trees are there?
Here is some general information on tupelo trees. The tupelo, or pepperidge tree, genus Nyssa, is a small genus of about 9 to 11 species of trees with alternate, simple leaves. It is usually included in the subfamily Nyssoideae of the dogwood family, Cornaceae, but is placed by some authorities in the family Nyssaceae.
What is Tupelo wood used for?
Tupelo wood is used extensively by artistic woodcarvers, especially for carving ducks and other wildfowl. In commerce, it is used for shipping containers and interior parts of furniture, and is used extensively in the veneer and panel industry for crossbanding, plywood cores, and backs.
What is a tuleo tree?
Tupelo trees are popular ornamental trees for their spectacular red fall color. Tupelos are valued as honey plants in the southeastern United States, particularly in the Gulf Coast region. They produce a very light, mild-tasting honey.
How long do black tupelo trees live?
Other Interesting Facts. » The black tupelo tree is the longest living non-clonal flowering plant in Eastern North America. It can live for over 650 years. » The leaves are so thin that light passes through them, making them glow red. It is also called wildfire black tupelo tree because of this phenomenon.
How tall is the largest black tupelo tree?
I Am the Largest! The largest recorded black tupelo tree is 144 feet tall and has a crown spread of 95 feet. The binomial name of black tupelo is Nyssa sylvatica. The word “ Nyssa ” refers to a water nymph in Greek, whereas “tupelo” is of an American origin.
What is the bark of a tree?
Bark: It has a straight trunk, and the bark is very scaly and gray. The bark of a mature tree is very coarse and resembles the hide of an alligator.
What is the name of the tree that grows in North America?
Black tupelo, also called gum tree, is one of the most beautiful native trees of North America. Check out some interesting facts about this tree that's known for its colorful foliage.
Where are black tupelo trees native to?
Black tupelo, also called black gum tree, pepperidge tree, or simply tupelo is native to North America from New England to southern Ontario, to central Florida, eastern Texas, and Mexico.
Where does the Tupelo grow?
» Black tupelo grows on various uplands and in alluvial stream bottoms from southwestern Maine and New York, to extreme southern Ontario, central Michigan, Illinois, and central Missouri, south to southern Florida, eastern Texas, and eastern Oklahoma.
Where are the flowers on a tree?
Flower: Flowers are greenish white and are found in clusters at the top of the stalk. The plants are dioecious, (male and female flowers on separate trees), as well as polygamo-dioecious (male and female flowers on the same tree).
Where did Tupelo come from?
Comments: The name tupelo is of Native American origin, coming from the Muskogee words ito (tree) and opilwa (swamp).
What is the texture of grain?
Grain/Texture: Grain is interlocked, with a fine texture. Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; radial multiples of two to four pores; small to medium pores arranged in a radial pattern, numerous; parenchyma not visible with lens; narrow rays, spacing fairly close.
Does Tupelo work with hand tools?
Workability: Easily worked with hand or machine tools, though tupelo has a tendency to warp while drying, and has a high amount of movement in service. Responds well to power-carving, with little fuzz-up.
Is Tupelo wood a domestic hardwood?
Tupelo is also occasionally available as larger carving blocks. Lumber prices should be moderate for a domestic hardwood, though carving blocks can be rather expensive depending on the size and quality. Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
What is the scientific name for a black tupelo tree?
Nyssa sylvatica. Nyssa —the scientific name of the tree—refers to the Greek water fairy, while the specific epithet sylvatica translates to “of the woods.”. It’s said the tree was derived from Greek to mean “tree of the swamp.”. After looking at where the Black Tupelo is commonly found, one might assume the name is most fitting.
What color are the leaves on a sage tree?
Has deep, glossy green leaves that change to bright shades of yellow, orange, bright red, purple and scarlet in the fall.
How fast does a sage tree grow?
Slow to medium growing tree, growing up to two feet a year and 30-50 feet at maturity.
Is a black tulelo tree good for bees?
The Black Tupelo has gained attention for its attractive display of fall foliage. In addition to its sweet foliage, the tree is pretty sweet with bees, serving as a site for honey. So if you’re planting trees for bees, add this to your list.
What are the problems with Tupelo?
Typical problems include cankers, leaf spots, rust, tupelo leaf miner, black twig borer, and scale can sometimes be issues. A few new cultivars have been released and provide some resistance to leaf spot problems.
When do black gum flowers appear?
Black gum has attractive, deeply ridged bark. Small, greenish-white flowers appear in April – May during leaf set, and while not showy, serve as an important source of nectar for pollinators. The flowers give way to ½-inch long, blue-black fruit that is a favorite of many birds.
What is black gum?
Black Gum. Black gum ( Nyssa sylvatica ), or black tupelo, is a medium to large growing deciduous tree native to USDA zones 4 to 9. Few trees are able to compete with black gum in regard to summer and fall color. In September, its dark green foliage gives way to intense red fall color with hues of orange, yellow, and purple, ...
How tall do fig trees grow?
Mature Height/Spread. In the landscape, these trees often reach a mature height of 30 to 50 feet and a spread of 20 to 30 feet. Young trees tend to be somewhat pyramidal in shape and eventually may form a conical or oval-shaped crown as they mature.
How tall is Sheri's Cloud?
High resistance to leaf spot. 40 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 35 feet wide. ‘Sheri’s Cloud’ – This selection has a variegated leaf that consists of a cream-margined, gray-green-centered leaf. 40 to 50 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide.
Can black gum grow in wet soil?
Black gum is best grown in areas with acidic, medium to wet, well-drained soils and full sun to part shade. Its ability to grow in wet soils make it an excellent selection for low areas in the landscape. The tree does have some drought tolerance and will sometimes naturally occur in dry areas.
Is black gum a good tree?
Black gum has several features that make it an excellent landscape tree. The alternately arranged, 3-inch long, dark green, glossy leaves and attractive fall color are perhaps the most distinctive features. The magnificent fall color is enhanced by siting trees in locations with more direct sunlight.
What is the color of the leaves on a black tupelo tree?
Red autumn foliage of the black tupelo tree (Nyssa sylvatica).
Where are tupelo trees found?
Five of the species are found in moist or swampy areas of eastern North America, three in eastern Asia, and one in western Malaysia. Tupelo wood is pale yellow to light brown, fine-textured, and strong.
How tall is a water tupelo?
It grows in pure stands or in association with bald cypress and other swamp trees. The water tupelo typically reaches heights of 24–30 metres (80–100 feet), and its trunk is conspicuously enlarged at the base. A stand of water tupelo ( Nyssa aquatica) trees near Ville Platte, Louisiana.
Where do black gum trees grow?
It grows in woods and moist areas from Maine southward to the Gulf Coast and westward to Oklahoma. This tree typically grows to a height of 18 metres ...
How tall is a sage tree?
This tree typically grows to a height of 18 metres (60 feet) and occasionally attains a height of 30 metres (100 feet). It is sometimes grown as an ornamental and is prized for its brilliant scarlet autumnal foliage.
What is a tree?
tree. tree, woody plant that regularly renews its growth (per ennial). Most plants classified as trees have a single self-supporting trunk containing woody tissues, and in most species the trunk produces secondary limbs, called branches. To many, the word tree evokes…. leaf.
Where does water tupelo grow?
aquatica ), also called cotton gum or swamp gum, grows in swamps of the southeastern and Gulf of Mexico coasts and in the Mississippi River valley northward to southern Illinois. It grows in pure stands or in association with bald cypress and other swamp trees.
What tree has a rounded trunk?
The black gum tree ( Nyssa sylvatica) is a medium-size deciduous tree (it drops its leaves in the fall) with a slow growth rate, gaining only around 1 to 2 feet per year. It generally grows in a rounded shape with a straight trunk, and its bark is said to look like alligator skin.
What is the black gum tree?
Some varieties of the black gum tree include: ‘Zydeco Twist’: This variety features somewhat twisting branches, which really stand out during the winter months when the tree is bare. ‘ Autumn Cascades’: This variety is known for its especially attractive yellow, orange, and red fall foliage.
What kind of soil does a black gum tree like?
The black gum tree is tolerant of various soil types. It prefers loamy soil with an acidic pH and good drainage. But it can handle a spot with poor drainage and even some standing water. It also is moderately tolerant of clay soil, as well as gravelly or sandy soil.
Can black gum grow in cold?
Black gum trees grow naturally in a variety of climates and are hardy both to cold and to heat. Humidity also usually isn’t an issue for the tree, as long as there is good air flow among its branches. Otherwise, high humidity and cramped branches can lead to fungal growth. 2 .
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Do you need to trim black gum trees?
The black gum tree doesn’t require much pruning beyond trimming branches to retain your desired shape and removing any parts that are damaged, diseased, or dead. If any of the lower branches are drooping downward, you can prune those off if you wish to make walking around the tree easier.
