Black tupelo, Black gum, Sour gum
Nyssa sylvatica

Family: Cornaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 15-22 m tall. It has a distinct trunk into the crown. The crown is flat topped. It loses its leaves in the winter. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are 5-12 cm long. They are at the ends of branches. The leaves are dark green and glossy. They turn scarlet in autumn. The flowers are small and greenish-white. They are on long hairy stalks. These are in small clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit are plum like and 1-3 cm long. They are blue-black. The flesh is thin, oily and sour.

Also put in the family Nyssaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to E. North America. It grows as an understorey tree on low, wet ground. It is often along streams and in swamps. It occurs between 1,100 and 1,650 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 3-10. Arboretum Tasmania. Hobart Botanical Gardens. National Arboretum Canberra.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, India, Mexico, North America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit is acid. It is used for preserves.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Tupelo, Pepperidge, Beetle-bung

Synonyms

Nyssa canadensis Poir.; Nyssa caroliniana Poir.; Nyssa ciliata Raf.; Nyssa integrifolia Aiton; Nyssa multiflora Wangenh.; and others