Black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) is divided into two commonly recognized varieties, typical black tupelo (var. sylvatica) and swamp tupelo (var. biflora). They are usually identifiable by their differences in habitats: black tupelo on light-textured soils of uplands and stream bottoms, swamp tupelo on heavy organic or clay soils of wet bottom lands. They do intermingle in some Coastal Plain areas and in those cases are hard to differentiate. These trees have moderate growth rate and longevity and are an excellent food source for wildlife, fine honey trees, and handsome ornamentals.
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Illustration of Blackgum - Charles Sprague Sargent Tree Leaf Plate
Botanist Charles Sprague Sargent's Tree Illustration Collection
By Steve Nix, About.com Guide
Blackgum or black tupelo is often associated with wet areas as is suggested by its latin genus name Nyssa, the name for a Greek mythological water sprite.
Blackgum, Nyssa sylvatica
Charles Sprague SargentSuggested Reading
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