Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) - Evergreen Trees Direct

Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo)

Name: Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo)
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 620.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$620.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

1000 in stock

Title: 100L

100L 40cm/45L 30cm/33cm

Current Stock Height Guides

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

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo)

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.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m - 20m Approximately

Mature Width: Up to 6m tall

Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 60 cm per year.

Frost Tolerance

Is Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) frost tolerant?

Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Nyssa sylvatica produces small clusters of greenish-yellow flowers in late spring. Although not showy, these nectar-bearing blooms support early-season pollinators and develop into small bluish-black fruits that ripen in late summer.

Native Information

Is Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) an Australian Native? No

Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) is Native to Native to eastern North America, where it grows in woodlands, river valleys, and swamps. Known for its resilience and autumn brilliance.

Wildlife Value

Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, while the late-summer fruits are highly prized by birds. The dense, pyramidal canopy provides excellent nesting and shelter, making it one of the best deciduous trees for enhancing biodiversity in large gardens, parkland and naturalistic designs.

Sunlight Information

Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Nyssa sylvatica performs best in moist, well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in alkaline, compacted or very dry ground unless improved with organic matter to enhance moisture retention, aeration and structure. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then maintain deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support steady growth, strong root development and its renowned vibrant autumn foliage.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Black Tupelo, Black Gum

Genus: Nyssa

Botanical Species: sylvatica

Family: Nyssaceae

Botanical Name: Nyssa sylvatica

Landscape Uses

Feature Tree
Avenue Planting
Shade Tree
Street Tree

Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

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

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.

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.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types:

Well-draining Soil: While adaptable, it thrives in well-draining soil with regular moisture.
Sandy Soil: Enrich with organic matter to improve water retention and nutrient availability.
Clay Soil: Amend with organic material to enhance soil structure and drainage.

Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 60 cm per year.

Medium Growth Rate

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 / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (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)

Ideal Conditions

Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires regular watering, and once established Black Tupelo offers moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in moist, well-drained soils and benefits from deep, occasional watering during dry periods to maintain strong growth, good leaf condition and its famous brilliant autumn colour.

Flowering Information

Does Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

White

Frequently Asked Questions

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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