Nyssa sylvatica Autumn Cascades - Tupelo

Nyssa sylvatica 'Autumn Cascades' is a semi-weeping variety of black gum tree. It forms a deciduous tree of small size with gracefully trailing branches, narrow enough to decorate a small garden or to plant in a row along a small pathway. The cascading curtains of its obovate foliage, significantly larger than average, brighten up the cool corners of the garden with its vibrant yellow, orange, intense red and purple hues throughout the autumn season. Thriving naturally in swamps and temperate wetlands, this tree is an excellent choice for gardens with deep, moist to wet, acidic and well-drained soil. It tolerates winters perfectly here and requires no pruning. To prevent it from drying out, as it is particularly sensitive, plant it in a sheltered, semi-shaded location with waterlogged soil in warmer regions.

Nyssa sylvatica, also known as black gum tree or tupelo, is a deciduous tree native to the United States, whose foliage is adorned with sumptuous autumnal shades, ranging from red to orange, from September to November. Nyssa sylvatica belongs to the Nyssaceae family, and is native to the eastern United States and still relatively uncommon in our latitudes. The tupelo can reach a height of 35m (114ft 10in) in its country of origin, but here it rarely exceeds 20m (65ft 7in) in height, with a rather slow growth rate.

The 'Autumn Cascades' black gum tree is the semi-weeping form of the species, selected by Australian breeders. It has a very elegant, spread out weeping habit, quite narrow, and a curious trunk covered with a brown-grey bark that flakes and furrows in mature subjects. It reaches about 5m (16ft 5in) in height and 4m (13ft 1in) in width. Its obovate to oval, glossy leaves are dark green before turning into a flamboyant range of yellow, orange, red, and purple. Larger than average, they measure between 7 and 15cm (2.8 and 5.9in) long! The small clusters of white-green nectar-rich flowers bloom in summer and are followed by edible, dark purple berries with a diameter of 25mm (1in), which are particularly highlighted by the autumn foliage and highly appreciated by birds.

Nyssa sylvatica will be cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens, where it will express its full potential as a shade tree or specimen. It shows a more harmonious development when grown in sheltered conditions, without excessive competition. It can be paired with the bald cypress (Taxus distichum), which requires almost the same growing conditions. Two species of ferns, such as Onoclea sensibilis, in neutral to acidic and moist soil, sun to semi-shade, and Dryopteris palustris (Telypteris palustris), ideal for stream or wetland scenes, in light shade or sun, can also be planted at its base. The more compact 'Autumn Cascades' variety is also suitable for mass plantings or groves with other ericaceous shrubs such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and parrotias. Otherwise, use it to enhance a small front yard or an exposed corner of a terrace.

Nyssa sylvatica is dedicated to Nyssa, the nymph of water, as it requires moist soil all year round to survive. Deer are extremely fond of leaves on seedlings and young plants, to the point that large populations of these deer can make it almost impossible for the tree to establish. Tupelo honey is highly sought after for its sweet buttery taste.