Black Gum, Tupelo, Black Tupelo, Sour Gum
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Cornales, Family: Nyssaceae, Genus: Nyssa, Species: Nyssa sylvatica · Nyssaceae (Tupelo family) / Cornaceae (Dogwood family) · Simple, deciduous leaf
Species
Nyssa sylvatica
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Family
Nyssaceae (Tupelo family) / Cornaceae (Dogwood family)
Shape
Ovate to obovate or broad-elliptical with an acuminate tip
Size
Large prominent leaf shown is approximately 5-7 inches long and 2.5-3.5 inches wide, slightly larger than the typical 3-5 inch average for upper canopy foliage
Margin
Entire (smooth) along most of the margin, occasionally with slight wavy undulations
Arrangement
Alternate, clustered near the ends of branches on short spur shoots
Rarity
Very Common throughout its native range in eastern North America
Color & Pattern
Medium to yellowish-green upper surface with dark purple-black spotting and discoloration along the main midrib vein and lateral veins; minor reddish autumn spotting early onset
Venation Pattern
Pinnate, with a prominent central midrib and secondary lateral veins curving toward the apex
Texture & Surface
Smooth, slightly leathery (coriaceous), glossy upper surface with a matte underside
Description
Nyssa sylvatica is a medium-to-large deciduous tree known for its horizontal branching habit and brilliant scarlet-red autumn foliage. Leaves are glossy, dark green in summer, turning bright red, orange, and purple early in the fall. Small greenish-white flowers yield dark blue drupes that attract wildlife.
Key Features
Smooth leaf margins, alternate arrangement clustered at branch ends, right-angle horizontal branching habit, dark blue fruit, and early deep red fall coloration with distinctive dark purple leaf spots
Habitat
Upland woods, moist bottomlands, forest edges, and welldrained acidic soils in sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, from southern Ontario and Maine south to Florida and west to Texas and Missouri
Condition Notes
Fair. Shows significant insect herbivory (holes chewed in blade), early foliar leaf spot fungal infection (dark purple vein staining and black spots), and mild chlorosis
Interesting Facts
Black gum is one of the first trees to change color in autumn. Its wood is extremely tough and interlocked, making it historically resistant to splitting, used for wheel hubs and gunstocks.
Medicinal & Uses
Widely used as an ornamental shade tree prized for fall color. Excellent honey plant (tupelo honey source). Wood historically used for pulp, woodenware, and crate lumber.
Ecological Role
High wildlife value; dark blue drupes provide rich fat sources for migrating birds and mammals. Excellent nectar source for native bees and honeybees.
Similar Species
Diospyros virginiana (American Persimmon) which has dark bark blocks and pale leaf undersides, and Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood) which has finely serrated leaf margins.
Foraging Tips
Look for horizontal right-angle branches and clustered alternate leaves along forest edges in late summer when early red spots begin appearing on the leaves.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans, livestock, and pets. Fruits are edible though sour.