Botanical Name: Nyssa sylvatica
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Common Name: Sour Gum, Tupelo  
Plant photo of: Nyssa sylvatica
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

40-60', 60-100'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Green

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

High

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Acid

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color

 

Seasonal Interest

Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Park

 

Special Uses

Screen, Shade Tree

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Linda Engstrom/Applegate

  • Description

  • Notes

Tupelo is a medium growing, deciduous tree with an upright, rather narrow pyramidal form, becoming more rounded in age. Grows about 30 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide. Dark green leaves turn orange to scarlet in the fall.
Grow in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Though it prefers moist, acidic soils, it tolerates some drought and adapts to some dryish soils. Long taproot precludes moving established trees. Female trees need a male pollinator to set fruit. Not commonly used in this region, as it has a preference for acidic soils.