Nyssa sylvatica

black gum, sourgum, black tupelo, swamp tupelo, pepperidge

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Photo credit: Christopher F. Miller, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, New Jersey.
Family

Cornaceae

Region

Coastal Plain, Mountain, Piedmont

States

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

Plant Type

Tall Tree (Canopy)

Height

30 - 75ft

Spread

20 - 50ft

Flower Color

Green, White

Fruit

Fleshy; Black, Blue

Sun Exposure

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Soil Texture

Loamy, Sandy

Soil Moisture

Dry, Flooded, Moist, Wet

Blooms

April - June

Fall Color

red

Habitat

mesic forests, swamp borders, and dry slopes

Notes

outstanding fall color; Wood used for cheap furniture, lumber and crates; fleshy bitter fruits eaten by black bear and by over 30 species of birds

More Information

Landscaping with Native Plants
Native Plant List
How to Shop for Native Plants
Plant Invaders of the Mid Atlantic

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Resources

The Native Plants Guide

Physiographic Regions of Chesapeake Watershed

Mountain
Piedmont
Coastal Plain