Black Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica
Other Common Names: Black gum, sour gum, pepperidge
Under Power Lines:
No
Street Tree Planting:
Yes—minimum planting strip width of 6 feet. If planting a street tree, you must be approved for a permit.
Description:
This slow-growing deciduous tree makes an excellent street or yard tree and is known for its spectacular fall foliage.
Mature Height:
60 feet
Mature Spread:
20 feet
Leaves:
Deciduous tree with dark green summer foliage and brilliant fall color ranging from yellow to scarlet red to purple.
Flowers:
Small non-showy flowers provide an excellent nectar source for bees.
Cultural Notes:
Tree does best in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. The black tupelo has a long taproot, making it nearly impossible to move once the tree is established. Female trees need a male pollinator to set fruit.
Potential Problems:
No major problems, but some susceptibility to leaf spots, canker, rust, leaf miner, and scale.
Minimum Planting Distances:
- 3 ½ feet back from the face of the curb
- 5 feet from underground utility lines
- 10 feet from power poles
- 7 ½ feet from driveways (10 feet recommended)
- 20 feet from street lights and other existing trees
- 30 feet from street intersections