Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct

Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo)

200L: Approx. 3 – 4.5m tall
100L: Approx. 2.2 – 3m tall
40cm/45L: Approx. 2 – 2.5m tall
30cm/33cm: Approx. 1.4 – 1.7m tall

Please note: These height guides are approximate, as we work with live plants and natural variation is expected. The measurements provided reflect typical stock sizing but may vary between batches.

Title
Regular price
$555.00
Sale price
$555.00
Regular price
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A GRADE STOCK, EVERY TIME.

Learn About Your New Nyssa sylvatica - Black Tupelo, Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica, known as Tupelo or Black Tupelo, is a striking deciduous tree native to the eastern United States, celebrated for its exceptional autumn foliage and adaptability across various climates. It grows to about 11 meters tall with a 6-meter spread, forming a neat, rounded, and upright canopy.

Its rich green leaves provide dense shade in spring and summer, transforming into brilliant yellows, oranges, crimsons, and scarlets in autumn, making it one of the finest trees for fall color. The tree also features ornamental bark, fine branching, and small bluish-black fruit that attract wildlife.

Tupelo thrives in full sun to part shade, prefers moist, well-drained loam or clay soils, and tolerates periodic wetness. It is cold-hardy, suitable for urban or rural settings, and requires moderate watering during establishment and dry spells. Maintenance is low, involving light pruning to shape and remove dead wood.

Ideal for larger gardens, parklands, and ecological plantings, Tupelo offers year-round structure, shade, and seasonal interest.

Plant Profile
Planting & Spacing Tips
Post Planting Care
Tips for Various Soil Types

1. Botanical & Physical Characteristics

BOTANICAL NAME:
Nyssa sylvatica
GENUS:
Nyssa
BOTANICAL SPECIES:
sylvatica
COMMON NAME:
Black Tupelo, Black Gum
FAMILY:
Nyssaceae
EVERGREEN / DECIDUOUS:
Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)
FOLIAGE TYPE
  • Glossy
FORM & SHAPE
  • Columnar
  • Rounded

2. Growth & Environmental Conditions

GROWTH RATE
  • Medium Growth Rate
EXPECTED GROWTH PER YEAR

Approx. 30 – 60 cm per year

MATURE HEIGHT

10m - 20m Approximately

MATURE WIDTH

Up to 6m tall

SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE
  • Full Sun
FROST TOLERANCE

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE?
No

3. Practical Uses & Flowering

USES:
  • Feature Tree
  • Avenue Planting
  • Shade Tree
  • Street Tree
FLOWER COLOUR
White
FLOWER TYPE
  • Not Applicable
FLOWERING PERIOD
  • Spring

Planting Tips

Plant Spacing

Hedging & Screening: Not suitable due to size and seasonal leaf drop.

Feature Tree: Plant 4 m – 6 m apart to enhance its striking foliage and structure.

Avenue Planting Trees: Plant 6 m – 9 m apart for formal rows with autumn interest.

Ensuring A Strong Start

  1. Select a planting location that receives full sun to partial shade.
  2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
  3. Incorporate compost into the backfill soil to improve fertility.
  4. Place the tree ensuring the root collar remains above soil level.
  5. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to conserve moisture.

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) for Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

  • 30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
  • 40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
  • 50cm Pot: 49.5cm (W) × 35.2cm (D)
  • 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
  • 100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
  • 100L Pot: 66cm (W) × 49.5cm (D)
  • 150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
  • 200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
  • 300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
  • 400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
  • 1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
  • 2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Post Planting Care

When planting a new tree or shrub, proper watering is essential to ensure healthy establishment and long-term growth. Follow these guidelines to give your plant the best start:

  1. Immediately After Planting:
    Water generously right after planting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. This helps the roots make good contact with the soil.
  2. First Three Months (Establishment Phase):
    The initial three months are critical for root development. Water deeply twice daily (morning and evening) to encourage strong, deep root growth.
  3. Irrigation Systems:
    If using an irrigation system, adjust it to provide adequate water during the establishment phase. Ensure the water reaches the root zone without overwatering.
  4. Weather Considerations:
    Adjust watering based on weather conditions. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods and reduce it during cooler, wetter seasons.
  5. Ongoing Care:
    After the establishment phase (3 months), gradually reduce watering frequency but ensure the plant receives consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

Long Term & Ongoing Care

Caring For Your Tree:

  • Watering: Regular watering is important in the first few years; once established, it is quite drought-tolerant.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning is required; remove any damaged or diseased branches in late winter.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
  • Pest and Disease Monitoring: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, monitor regularly to maintain health.

Growing Your Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) in Various Soil Types

How to Grow in Different Soil Types:

  1. Well-draining Soil: While adaptable, it thrives in well-draining soil with regular moisture.
  2. Sandy Soil: Enrich with organic matter to improve water retention and nutrient availability.
  3. Clay Soil: Amend with organic material to enhance soil structure and drainage.
Here is what customers like you frequently ask

FAQ

Q: How fast does Nyssa sylvatica grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically adding about 30-60 cm annually.

Q: Can Nyssa sylvatica be used as a street tree?
A: Yes, its ability to withstand urban pollution and its non-invasive root system make it suitable for street plantings.

Q: What are the soil pH requirements for Nyssa sylvatica?
A: It prefers acidic to neutral soil but is adaptable to slightly alkaline conditions.

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