Also known as Tupelo · 86 saves
Nyssa
Nyssa, the genus most gardeners know as tupelo. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 2 most-saved Nyssa varieties
Browse all 4 Nyssa varieties →
Species of Nyssa
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Nyssa in Sow
Save the Nyssa you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Nyssa
Whats common across all Nyssa varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Nyssa year
- MulchApril and October100% of varieties
Apply 2-3 inches of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk flare.
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Optional: Apply slow-release fertilizer only if growth is poor.
- Check for PestsMay–July75% of varieties
Inspect young twigs and leaves for aphids, scale insects, and signs of deer browsing.
- PlantApril, October and November50% of varieties
Plant balled and burlap or container stock in early spring or fall.
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune to maintain shape after leaf fall
- Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Water young trees deeply and regularly during dry periods to support root establishment.
- Apply a balanced, slow-release acidic fertilizer in early spring if soil tests indicate nutrient deficiencies.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize late in the season
- Avoid heavy pruning in late summer
- Do not attempt to transplant established trees due to their sensitive, fleshy taproot system.
What goes wrong with Nyssa
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Small, bumpy shells clustering on twigs and branches, causing reduced vigor. | Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season or late winter. |
| Deer browsing | Chewed young bark and torn foliage on lower branches. | Install physical tree guards or fencing around young trees until they grow out of reach. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippled leaves appear during hot, dry weather. | Increase humidity around the canopy and spray with miticides or insecticidal soap. |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot (Phytophthora) | Wilting, yellowing leaves and dieback in poorly drained, waterlogged soils. | Plant in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering or planting in low-lying, soggy areas. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery coating on leaf surfaces during humid summer weather. | Ensure adequate spacing for air circulation and water at the base rather than wetting the foliage. |
Making more Nyssa
Seed sowing
- Collect mature seeds in fall and clean them.
- Stratify seeds in moist sand at 4°C for 3 months.
- Sow seeds in pots with well-draining soil in early spring.
- Keep soil moist and place in partial shade.
- Germination occurs in 4-6 weeks.
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone.
- Plant in a mixture of peat and perlite.
- Mist regularly to maintain humidity.
- Roots develop in 6-8 weeks.
Nyssa questions
How many types of Nyssa are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Nyssa varieties. The most popular — ranked by 86 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Nyssa grow in?
Across its varieties, Nyssa covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Nyssa bloom?
Most Nyssa varieties bloom in spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Nyssa should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.