Black gum (black tupelo) Nyssa sylvatica
Black gum (black tupelo) (Nyssa sylvatica) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Nyssaceae family, native to Eastern North America, from Ontario to Florida and Texas. It grows 10–25 m (33–82 ft) tall and 6–12 m (20–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 9 m (30 ft) apart.
Plan Black gum (black tupelo) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Black gum (black tupelo) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Nyssaceae |
| Mature height | 10–25 m (33–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 9 m (30 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern North America, from Ontario to Florida and Texas |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Black gum (black tupelo) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Black gum (black tupelo)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Black gum (black tupelo)
- How far apart should I plant Black gum (black tupelo)?
- About 9 m (30 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–12 m (20–39 ft).
- Does Black gum (black tupelo) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Black gum (black tupelo) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Black gum (black tupelo)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Black gum (black tupelo) flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Black gum (black tupelo) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Black gum (black tupelo)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Black gum (black tupelo). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Glossy dark leaves that turn one of the most brilliant scarlets of any tree in early autumn, on horizontal branches. Its tiny spring flowers give tupelo honey, and its blue-black fruit is eaten by many birds. Very long-lived (some trees over 600 years); hard to transplant, so plant young.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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