Tupelo Black Gum Tree Bark

History lore 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.
Tupelo black gum tree bark. From waxy spring foliage and brilliant fall color to beautiful winter form the black gum shows great ornamental value. 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. Black gum nyssa sylvatica or black tupelo is a medium to large growing deciduous tree native to usda zones 4 to 9. This black gum tree grows at a slow to medium growth rate.
This black tupelo black gum does best in full sun partial shade. Few trees are able to compete with black gum in regard to summer and fall color. Nyssa sylvatica commonly known as tupelo black tupelo black gum or sour gum is a medium sized deciduous tree native to eastern north america from the coastal northeastern united states and southern ontario south to central florida and eastern texas as well as mexico. The black tupelo black gum grows in acidic loamy moist rich sandy silty loam well drained soils.
It is also known by the name beetlebung on marthas vineyard because it was historically used to make mallets that pound the cork or beetle into barrels before they were loaded onto ships. 4 to 9 native area. Black gum tree plant type. The black tupelo black gum has a spread of about 20 30 at full maturity.
It is striking throughout the year and as it grows older its graceful drooping branches add to the distinct form and beauty of this tree. Five species out of these are native to north america while the others are found in eastern and southeastern asia. The name of the tree tupelo comes from the muscogee language as a combination of the words ito tree and opilwa swamp. Light green hardiness zones.
It is found in dry upland forests occasionally bottomlands savannas and upland depressions that are occasionally flooded. 75 feet tall and 30 feet wide sun exposure. Types of black gum tree. When combined with the several other tupelo species these trees have the distinction of being favorites with honey producers.
Blackgum or black tupelo is a native deciduous tree that may grow 50 to 80 feet tall. Nyssa sylvatica common name. Loamy or clay soil ph. It has unique thick bark that is arranged in six sided plates.
The blackgum is grown as an ornamental for its beautiful scarlet red fall color and the shiny dark green leaves in the summer. In september its dark green foliage gives way to intense red fall color with hues of orange yellow and purple which makes it a wonderful selection for home landscapes.