Nyssa, Black Gum or Tupelo: Planting and Care

Description and botany

The Nyssa sylvatica, also known as Black Gum or Tupelo, is a deciduous ornamental tree from the Nyssaceae or Cornaceae family. Still rare in cultivation here, it is found naturally mainly in the humid to swampy forest habitats of the eastern United States. This remarkable tree derives its name from Nyssa, the water nymph, as it requires moist to wet soil year-round to survive.

The genus Nyssa, now included in the Cornaceae family (that of Dogwoods), comprises 9 species, including Nyssa sylvatica, the only representative in our latitudes. Along with the type species, only a few varieties of tupelo are available in nurseries. The botanical classification of Nyssa is quite fluctuating, as it initially formed the Nyssaceae family on its own, which included a single species—Nyssa sylvatica—before being absorbed by the Cornaceae family (APG II and III). The water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) is another species of Black Gum.

Nyssa sylvatica Tupelo (© Leonora Enking) and Nyssa aquatica

Nyssa sylvatica: botanical plate (1812)

While the Tupelo can reach 35 m in height in its native regions, it will rarely exceed 20 m in our climates. In our gardens, it will maintain a moderate height between 9 and 15 m. Its rather slow growth is matched only by exceptional longevity; it can live for over 600 years! It is one of those trees that never die.

Anchored by a deep taproot, the Black Gum forms a majestic tree with a pyramidal, elegant habit, and a straight trunk with thick greyish-brown bark that cracks with age. The bark peels in long plates reminiscent of an oak or alligator skin, making it aesthetically pleasing even in winter.

In most tupelos, the branches spread into a symmetrical crown that widens over time. ‘Autumn Cascades’ is the weeping version of the Tupelo, with elegantly trailing branches. Its uniqueness also lies in its reduced dimensions, reaching 5 m in height and 4 m in width.

This deciduous tree is particularly prized for its changing foliage, which dons sumptuous hues in autumn, filling the garden with warm, spicy colours. Dark green or yellow-green in spring, it is magnificent by late summer when its leaves ignite in flamboyant shades that vary by variety. From September to November, its foliage transitions into bright yellow, orange, incandescent red, or purple tones. Nyssas are among the most beautiful autumn colourations, offering an unforgettable spectacle before leaf fall.

The alternate leaves are obovate to oval and glossy. They emerge in spring at the axil of the leaves, at the tips of the main branches. They are borne on short reddish petioles, measure between 7 to 15 cm long, and feature slightly undulate margins and prominent veins. They are paler on the underside.

The insignificant flowering appears in June-July as small clusters of greenish-white, melliferous flowers with 5 petals. Hidden by the foliage, the nectar-rich flowers nevertheless attract numerous pollinators. They are followed by clusters of dark purple, shiny berries, 1 to 3 cm long, which are a delight for birds.

Its hard wood is prized by woodturners for making pulleys or bowls. Additionally, deer are so fond of its young leafy plants that their appetite can hinder the establishment of Nyssas. Tupelo honey, with its beautiful golden colour, has a unique buttery flavour with hints of cinnamon and anise.

Summer foliage of Nyssa sylvatica, autumn berries, and compact form ‘Autumn Cascade’ on the right

Main species and varieties

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Planting Nyssa

Where to Plant It?

With excellent hardiness, the Nyssa or black tupelo can withstand winter temperatures as low as -25 to -30°C, making it suitable for planting in the coldest regions of our country. Native to humid zones and woods, it may be less comfortable in overly dry Mediterranean regions, though it can tolerate short periods of summer drought. In gardens in southern France, plant it in a sheltered, partially shaded spot with waterlogged soil. It’s perfect for brightening up cool areas of the garden.

It is quite demanding when it comes to soil. Plant it in preferably acidophilous soil, which will enhance the colour of its leaves. It requires moist soil year-round, even very wet, as long as it is well-drained in winter and fertile. Place it in full sun or lightly shaded areas. It tolerates wind well.

This tree does not transplant well, so carefully consider its location before planting. To fully appreciate its remarkable autumn foliage, reserve it a spacious, open spot in the garden. It is known to be quite sensitive to urban pollution, and its deep taproot needs ample space to accommodate its vigorous growth. Opt for a rural setting in a wild-style garden or a semi-urban area where it will thrive—it’s not ideal for city gardens.

Nyssa sylvatica is best grown as an ornamental tree in isolation on a large short grass meadow or incorporated into a mixed border. It will look magnificent beside a water feature, where its reflection can shimmer.

In medium-sized gardens, opt for more compact cultivars like the Black Gum ‘Autumn Cascades’, which is narrow enough to enhance a bush cluster or line a small pathway.

Nyssa sylvatica (© denisbin)

When to Plant the Tupelo?

Planting a Nyssa is best done in autumn, from September to November, to encourage root establishment before winter. Spring planting from February to April is also possible, avoiding frost or extreme heat.

How to Plant It?

When purchasing, choose a young plant that isn’t too large, as mature roots tolerate transplanting poorly. To give your Nyssa the best chance, the soil should be rich, deep, and moist. In highly alkaline soil, we recommend adding heather soil at planting. In heavy soil, plant it on a mound and ensure good drainage. Once established, avoid moving the tree, as its roots will struggle with transplanting. Space plants 8 to 10 metres apart from other trees, or about 5 metres for smaller cultivars.

• Dig a hole 3 times wider than the root ball and loosen the soil to a depth of 80 cm with a garden fork
• Spread gravel at the bottom of the hole to improve drainage
• Mix garden soil with equal parts compost and heather soil if the ground is alkaline
• Add well-rotted compost
• Place the tree in the planting hole
• Plant at collar level without burying the root ball too deeply
• Stake if necessary
• Firm the soil and water generously until established, continuing for the first 3 years after planting
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture in summer

For successful tree planting, watch our video!

Maintenance, pruning and care

If provided with sufficiently moist conditions and good drainage, the black tupelo requires very little maintenance once established. In summer, water once or twice a week for the first three years, especially during very hot and dry periods. The soil should never be dry: water deeply each time. Spread a good layer of organic mulch to keep the soil consistently cool.

Each spring, add compost or a good organic fertiliser at the base.

If necessary, consider protecting young plants from deer browsing.

The tupelo shows no particular susceptibility to diseases (including leaf spot) or parasites when planted in suitable conditions. However, in overly chalky soil, it may suffer from chlorosis, which causes yellowing of the leaves: apply heather soil at the base to prevent its occurrence.

Pruning is not essential but involves simple annual maintenance in late winter, removing dead, dry, or damaged wood as well as low or poorly positioned branches. Apply vegetable tar after each pruning session, as every wound is a potential entry point for pathogenous fungi.

Propagation

The Nyssa can be propagated by sowing in a nursery in autumn (germination is erratic and requires stratification), by division of suckers, and by layering. We recommend these last two propagation methods, which are simpler.

By separating suckers

The black gum tree tends to produce suckers and send up shoots around the mother plant.

1. In autumn, separate the suckers with a spade
2. Transplant these young plants immediately into fresh, well-worked soil

By layering

This is done in autumn and produces a new plant identical to the mother plant.

• Bend one of the lower branches down to the base of the tree
• Dig a furrow near the mother plant and the branch
• Remove the leaves from the part of the stem to be buried and make a 2 cm incision in the bark
• Lay the branch in the furrow
• Cover it with substrate, burying part of it so it can take root
• Fill in the furrow and secure the layer with metal hooks
• Lift the tip and stake the aerial part
• Water
• The buried part of the branch will root
• Once the layer is sufficiently rooted, cut the branch to replant it

Pair

If the Nyssa is remarkable for its dazzling pit in the middle of a short grass meadow, it remains easy to pair with other plants that thrive in the same humid environments, deep soils free from limestone. With its colourful leaf, it stands out for creating autumnal atmospheres. If you have a large space, you can compose a scene with spicy hues by pairing it with other trees and bushes with colourful foliage such as the Ginkgo biloba ‘Blagon’, Japanese maples, the Parrotia persica, the Liquidambar, the Liriodendron tulipifera or tulip tree, the Winged Spindle (Euonymus alatus) to create a dazzling grove from September to November. At the end of the season, the leaves of a Katsura Tree (Cercidiphylum japonicum) will also enhance its autumnal-coloured foliage. The weeping form Nyssa sylvatica ‘Autumn Cascades’ will add a romantic touch  in the background of a flowerbed thanks to its gracefully trailing habit.

Nyssa sylvatica at the bottom left, paired with other autumn fires: Ginkgo biloba on the left, Liquidambar and Cercidiphylum in the centre, Parrotia persica and winged spindle on the right

This tree, which thrives in acidic soils, can serve as a backdrop for a mix of heather soil bushes such as rhododendrons and Chinese azaleas, with which it will coexist easily.

To highlight its resplendent foliage, place it against a backdrop of permanent greenery composed of conifers such as the Pinus peuce or Macedonian Pine, or the Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress).

In the foreground of a semi-shaded flowerbed, the Nyssa will be enhanced by a profusion of ferns such as the beautiful Matteuccia orientalis, the Onoclea sensibilis, or the Telypteris palustris, ideal for waterside scenes or around an ornamental pond, in dappled shade or full sun.