Common Name: Black tupelo; gum tree
Scientific Name:
Family: Cornaceae
Genus: Nyssa
Species: sylvatica
Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
Height: 30 to 50 ft
Width: 20 to 30 ft
Common Characteristics:
- Bright fall colors including yellow, orange, red and purple all on the same tree
- Furrowed bark that is often compared to an alligator hide
- Flowers are greenish-white and are petal-less
- Very glossy dark green leaves on top and pale green on the underside
- Blueish black fruit ripen in the fall
- Full sun/partial shade
- Fruit attracts many birds and mammals