Nyssa sylvatica, also known as black tupelo, black gum and sour gum, is native to Eastern North America through the Midwest to Eastern Texas. Grows 60-80 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide. Nyssa sylvatica has glossy green leaves and straight trunks and branches that grow outward at right angles. This medium sized tree is a upright pyramidal shape when young, rounding out with age. 18-30 inch potted trees.
Roots go straight down, so transplanting trees over 4 years old is difficult. This trait makes this shade tree an excellent choice in lawns, rain gardens, and as a street or driveway tree. It can be planted closer to buildings than you would normally plant a large tree. Also works well in moist flood plains, absorbing moisture created by runoff or natural springs.
