Species
Nyssa sylvaticaBlack Tupelo2 other cultivars
The Story
Plant Bio
Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as blackgum or black tupelo, is a deciduous North American tree that develops a strong central leader and a broad-pyramidal to oval crown. The species thrives in moist, acidic soils and is highly tolerant of poorly drained, wet sites once its deep taproot is established.
'Wildfire' is distinguished by its spring foliage, which emerges a brilliant burgundy-red and retains a red tint into summer before maturing to lustrous dark green. In fall, the leaves transition to a uniform, intense scarlet-red before dropping.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
600"
Width
360"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium to High
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with acidic, moisture-retentive soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the root flare sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with native soil, water thoroughly to settle, and apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture.
- Water deeply and regularly during the first two growing seasons to support taproot development.
Pro Tip
Plant container-grown specimens while they are young, as the deep taproot of this species makes transplanting large or field-dug trees highly unsuccessful.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant young, container-grown trees to minimize root disturbance.
- Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry summer spells.
- Apply an organic mulch over the root zone to preserve acidity and moisture.
Don't
- Do not attempt to transplant established trees due to their deep taproot.
- Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood.
- Do not plant in highly alkaline soils, which can cause chlorosis.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Black Tupelo questions
What zones can Black Tupelo grow in?
Black Tupelo is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Black Tupelo deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Black Tupelo, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Black Tupelo bloom?
Black Tupelo typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Black Tupelo need full sun?
Black Tupelo does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Black Tupelo drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Black Tupelo handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Nyssa to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Black Tupelo with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.