Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) is a tree that can grow higher than 15m tall and wider than 8 metres wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica).
This plant has several common names including: tupelo, black gum tree, common tupelo tree, cotton gum, pepperidge or sour gum tree.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: tupelo, black gum tree, common tupelo tree, cotton gum, pepperidge, sour gum tree
Scientific name: Nyssa sylvatica
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: Higher than 15m
Spread: Wider than 8 metres
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Architectural
Planting type: Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) – Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trees are essential plants in gardens, large and small, with their sculptural presence.
In terms of design, they add height, structure and interest all year round with attractive flowers, foliage, fruits and trunks.
In addition, they provide home and a food source for birds and other wildlife.
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How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Nyssa sylvatica likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) – Berean Hunter, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
