Nyssa sylvatica Red Rage - Tupelo

Nyssa sylvatica, also known as Black Gum or Tupelo, is a deciduous tree native to the United States, whose foliage is adorned with sumptuous autumnal colors. 'Red Rage' is a top American selection, offering a highly graphic pyramidal habit and dimensions suitable for most gardens, as it does not exceed 10m (33ft) in height and 6m (20ft) in width. 'Red Rage' turns bright red in autumn and its spring foliage is shiny green, more decorative than that of the species. Very hardy, it grows in neutral to acidic, moist to wet soil, in full sun or partial shade.

Nyssa sylvatica belongs to the rather confidential family of Nyssaceae, which counts only 5 genera, the most well-known being the Davidia, or Handkerchief Tree, so named because its flowers form large, highly decorative white bracts. Close to the Cornaceae (the Dogwood family), this tree is native to the eastern United States and is still relatively uncommon in our latitudes. While Tupelo can reach 35m (115ft) in height in its native country, here it rarely exceeds 20m in height. Nevertheless, even though its growth is rather slow, its mature size makes it more suitable for parks than gardens. That is why enthusiasts will particularly appreciate this cultivar due to its smaller dimensions. 'Red Rage' (or 'Hayman's Red') indeed forms a highly graphic pyramidal tree, which will reach a maximum height of around 10m (33ft) and a width of about 6m (20ft) with age, allowing it to be planted in most gardens, even smaller ones. This American selection is credited to Mike Hayman, a nurseryman from southern Indiana who discovered it. This Tupelo (or Black Gum) has shiny green spring foliage, slightly smaller and more decorative than the species. Furthermore, its leaves resist leaf spot disease, while in autumn, they literally blaze bright red, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Nyssas are undoubtedly among the most beautiful autumnal colors, and 'Red Rage' is a perfect representative. In May-June, this medium-sized tree produces insignificant greenish-white flowers that do not produce fruit.

'Red Rage' can be planted in full sun or partial shade. However, it is not as accommodating when it comes to soil, as it is susceptible to chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves) in alkaline soil. It therefore requires neutral to acidic soil conditions, as well as a rich organic matter and a moist to very wet environment. However, good winter drainage must be ensured. This small tree is very hardy, at least down to -29°C, or even lower, which means it can be grown in all cold regions without any risk. It is known to be quite sensitive to urban pollution, and its root system does not tolerate paved ground cover well. It will therefore be more comfortable in a rural environment in a wild-type garden, or in a peri-urban residential area, where its graphic habit and colors will be particularly highlighted.

Nyssa sylvatica 'Red Rage' will be grown as a solitary ornamental tree on a lawn, or can also be integrated into a mixed border. The glowing redness of its autumn foliage naturally encourages planting trees or shrubs with yellow autumnal colors alongside it to create strong contrasts. The Ginkgo biloba 'Blagon' will be perfect in this role, with its fastigiate habit also very characteristic and well suited to contemporary gardens, while its golden yellow autumnal colors (which earned it the nickname "Forty-Ecus Tree") will strongly contrast with the red of 'Red Rage'. The foreground of your border will be enhanced by planting ferns such as the beautiful Matteuccia orientalis, or Oriental Ostrich Fern, whose name alone is already a poem! Its large, finely cut green fronds are enriched in late summer with a bouquet of sterile, feathery fronds, very graphic, which turn from olive green to bluish black, before turning dark brown due to spore ripening.

Nyssa sylvatica is dedicated to Nyssa, nymph of the waters, as it requires moist soil throughout the year to survive. Deer are extremely fond of leaves on seedlings and young plants, to the point where large populations of these deer can make it almost impossible for the tree to establish.