What hardiness zones is Nyssa sylvatica suitable for?

Nyssa sylvatica is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Nyssa sylvatica?

Nyssa sylvatica requires Full Sun.

How much water does Nyssa sylvatica need?

Nyssa sylvatica has Medium water needs.

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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Nyssa sylvatica

sour gum, tupelo

CornaceaeEastern North America

At a Glance

TypeTree

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height30-50 feet (9-15 m)

Width20-35 feet (6-10.7 m)

Maturity25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 9

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

Maintenancelow

Overview

Nyssa sylvatica is a medium to large deciduous tree reaching 30-50 feet (9-15 m) tall in cultivation, occasionally to 75 feet (23 m), with a spread of 20-35 feet (6-10.7 m). Crown shape is pyramidal in youth, becoming broadly rounded to flat-topped with age, with distinctive horizontal to slightly pendulous branching. Bark is dark gray to nearly black, developing deep, blocky ridges on mature trunks that create an alligator-hide texture. Leaves are alternate, simple, obovate to elliptic, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, glossy dark green above with a leathery texture and entire margins. Fall color is among the most reliable and vivid of any deciduous tree — foliage turns scarlet, orange, and purple, often with multiple colors present simultaneously on a single tree. Color develops early, beginning in September in many regions. Flowers are inconspicuous, small, greenish-white, appearing in clusters in April to June. Trees are dioecious or polygamo-dioecious; female trees produce dark blue-black drupes, 0.3-0.5 inches (8-12 mm) long, in clusters on long stalks, ripening in September to October. Fruit is consumed by birds and mammals. Growth rate is slow to moderate at 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) per year. Trees develop a strong taproot and deep root system, making transplanting of large specimens difficult; plant balled-and-burlapped or container-grown stock under 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. Trees are long-lived, commonly reaching 200-400+ years.

Native Range

Native to eastern North America from southern Ontario and Maine south to central Florida, west to eastern Texas and central Michigan. Occurs in a wide range of habitats from swamp margins and floodplains to dry upland ridges, at elevations from sea level to 4,500 feet (1,370 m). Most common in moist, acidic soils of the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a specimen tree for fall color in lawns, parks, and large residential landscapes. Spacing of 20-30 feet (6-9 m) from other trees and structures. Tolerates wet sites, making it useful near ponds, rain gardens, and low-lying areas. The deep root system does not heave sidewalks or damage infrastructure, making it suitable for street tree plantings with adequate soil volume. Not suited for containers due to taproot development.

How to Identify

Identified by glossy, leathery, obovate leaves 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long with entire margins, and deeply furrowed, blocky dark bark resembling alligator hide on mature trees. Horizontal to slightly pendulous branching creates a distinctive layered silhouette. Dark blue-black drupes on long stalks in fall are present on female trees. Distinguished from Nyssa aquatica (water tupelo) by smaller leaves, smaller fruit, and tolerance of upland conditions.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height30' - 50'

Width/Spread20' - 35'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

scarlet

orange

purple

red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Spring

Inconspicuous greenish-white flowers appear in April to June, in small clusters. Male flowers are borne in dense heads; female flowers are fewer per cluster. Bloom lasts approximately 1-2 weeks and is significant primarily as a nectar source — tupelo honey is produced commercially in southeastern U.S. states. Fruit ripens in September to October on female trees.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Greenish-white (inconspicuous)

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysandpeat

Drainage

moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water deeply once per week during the first two growing seasons to establish the taproot. Established trees tolerate moderate drought but perform best with consistent moisture; they also tolerate periodic flooding and wet soils. Plant in full sun to part shade with at least 4-6 hours of direct light; best fall color develops in full sun. Prefers moist, acidic soils (pH 5.0-6.5); chlorosis may develop in alkaline soils above pH 7.0. Transplant young stock only — the taproot makes field-grown trees difficult to move successfully above 2 inches (5 cm) caliper. No serious pest or disease problems. Leaf spot fungi may cause cosmetic damage in wet seasons but do not affect tree health. Leaf miner causes occasional serpentine trails on foliage.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to early spring (February through March) while dormant. Minimal pruning required; the natural form develops a strong structure with well-spaced lateral branches. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed. Maintain the central leader in young trees. Avoid heavy pruning, as slow growth rate means recovery takes several years.

Pruning Schedule

winterearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic