Nyssa sylvatica

Black Tupelo

Family:

Family: Nyssaceae

Native Region: Eastern North America

Plant Community: New England Barrier Beach

Size: 30-50’ tall but up to 90’, 20’-30’ wide

Hardiness Zone: 3-9

Habitat: Low wet woods, bottomlands and pond peripheries, but also can be found on dry rocky wooded slopes and ravines, moist woodland gardens, low spots subject to periodic flooding or in boggy areas. Prefers moist, acidic soils with partial to full sun.

Leaf: Dark green on top and pale green on the bottom during summer, scarlet in the fall.

Flower: Greenish white and blooms May-June.

Ecosystem services: Tolerates wet, poorly drained soil and standing water, making it a strong candidate for flood plains, river banks, and systems for storm water management. It also can grow in clay-heavy soil, making it a good choice for clay soil conditions. In urban settings, it is a good choice for a street tree or for rain garden areas. Due to its wide range of soil adaptations and habitats, it can also serve as a re-colonizer for brown fields and other cleared areas.