Nyssa sylvatica
blackgum
Blackgum or black tupelo is oftentimes (but not always) associated with wet areas as is suggested by its latin genus name Nyssa, the name for a Greek mythological water sprite. The Creek Indian word for "swamp tree" is eto opelwu. Southern bee-keepers prize the tree's nectar and sell tupelo honey for a premium. The tree is showy in fall with brilliant red leaves ornamented with blue fruit on female trees.
Photos by Steve Nix
Start with the Tree Finder if you are not sure what kind of tree you have!
Range Map
-The native range of blackgum, USFS.
Blackgum Habitat and Culture
(silvics courtesy of Silvics Manual, Northeast S&PF, USFS)
Wood Technical Fact Sheet
(courtesy of Hardwoods of North America, Forest Products Lab, USFS)
From Virginia Tech w/Photos
(Big List courtesy of VT Dendrology)
North American Timber Types
(courtesy About Forestry)
The Great American Hardwood Forest
(courtesy About Forestry)
Recent Champion: 78' height, 64' spread, 185" circumf., Franklin Township, New Jersey
Quick Stats
Common Names: blackgum, sourgum, pepperidge, tupelo, and tupelogum
Habitat: uplands and in alluvial stream bottoms
Description: It has a swollen base that tapers to a long, clear bole and often occurs in pure stands
Uses: commercial timber used for furniture and crates, honey tree
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(images courtesy of Steve Nix and About.com)
