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Black Tupelo

Nyssa sylvatica

The Black Tupelo is a beautiful tree that grows tall and has shiny green leaves. In the fall, its leaves turn bright red and orange, making it look like it's wearing a colorful coat!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Black Tupelo is a stately tree with deeply furrowed, dark gray bark that resembles alligator skin on older trees. Its oval leaves turn spectacular shades of fiery red, orange, and purple in autumn, contrasting with its small, blue-black, berry-like fruits.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCornalesFamilyNyssaceaeGenusNyssa
Black Tupelo
deciduous trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgefruit_bearing trait badgefruit_tree trait badge
Black Tupelo

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Bees love its flowers so much they make a delicious, spicy honey from its nectar!

Its wood is super tough because the grains twist and interlock, making it really hard to split!

Old Black Tupelo trees can grow to be over 100 feet tall, reaching for the sky!

Sometimes it's called the 'Sour Gum' tree because its tart, dark blue fruits look like berries!

Special abilities

Ability

Wetland Wanderer

Black Tupelo can thrive in soggy soils and even standing water, letting it grow where many other trees cannot survive.

Ability

Fiery Fall Show

Its leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn, creating one of nature's most stunning displays.

Ability

Sweet Nectar Producer

Black Tupelo has tiny flowers that produce lots of nectar, attracting busy bees and other helpful pollinating insects.

Measurements & details

Height
1500-3000 cm
Spread
900-1500 cm
Flower Size
0.3-0.8 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be careful not to climb too high in trees, and always ask an adult for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Black Tupelo?

1500-3000 cm

How wide does Black Tupelo spread?

900-1500 cm

How big are the flowers on Black Tupelo?

0.3-0.8 cm

When does Black Tupelo bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is Black Tupelo edible?

Yes

Is Black Tupelo toxic?

None

What is Black Tupelo's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Black Tupelo pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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