Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 5383717

Black Tupelo

Nyssa sylvatica

Also known as Black Gum, Sour Gum, Tupelo, Pepperidge

Black tupelo stands out in autumn as one of the first canopy trees to turn, displaying brilliant crimson, orange, and deep purple foliage. Older trunks develop dark, deeply checked bark resembling alligator hide, while small blue autumn drupes provide crucial high-fat nourishment for migrating songbirds. Small spring blossoms supply abundant nectar to native pollinators and honeybees, producing prized light honey.

DeciduousNative TreeAutumn Color
Black Tupelo reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Leonora (Ellie) Enking, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Deer
  • Tupelo Leafminer
  • Beaver
ThreatsHabitat loss, competition from invasive species, tupelo leafminer outbreaks
HabitatsUpland hardwood forests, swamp margins, moist rich bottomlands
Life span300–500+ years
Classification
  1. OrderCornales
  2. FamilyNyssaceae
  3. GenusNyssa
  4. SpeciesNyssa sylvatica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fruit based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Autumn Identification: Look for brilliant crimson and deep purple leaves turning earlier than surrounding trees.
  • Bark Inspection: Check mature trunks for distinctive, deeply squared bark blocks resembling alligator hide.
  • Spring Watching: Observe tiny greenish flowers in late spring to spot visiting native bees.
Related species
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