Modern cultivars of Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) are a delightful and carefree addition to the tree planter’s palette. Also known as Black Gum, selected cultivars of this North American native tree are tailored for landscape and street tree use. Beyond the beauty of their glossy green summer foliage that turns to brilliant orange to red in autumn, you’ll discover great structure and mature form. Each cultivar offers strong central leaders and uniformly upsweeping branches that require minimal pruning and maintenance to produce picture-perfect trees for all seasons.
Superior form, disease-resistant foliage and predictably bright red to brilliant orange fall color recommend their use over seedlings of the species that may have weak leaders, irregular and drooping branch habit, unattractive leaf spots and variable fall color that can range from yellow to yellow-orange to scarlet to deep reddish purple.
Tupelos have evolved in their native habitat to withstand periodic flooding of their roots and are thus better adapted to growing in compacted, lower oxygen soils than many other species. They can also weather periodic drought – characteristics that lend themselves to city living. Thanks to these traits and general adaptability and freedom from pests and diseases, this North American native tree and its cultivars are being increasingly specified for streetscapes, urban sites designed to manage stormwater runoff, and as colorful resilient options to commonly planted species.
Thanks to the dioecious character of the genus, which has separate male and female plants, specifiers may choose cultivars for fruiting or fruitless character. The cultivars we offer are fruitless (male) selections except for Afterburner® Tupelo, which produces small fruits in autumn that are favored by birds.
Afterburner® Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica ‘David Odom’
Very clean, high-gloss, deep green, summer foliage and upright, symmetrical form distinguish this excellent cultivar. A strong central leader and upswept branches ensure a robust canopy and pyramidal form. Bright fall color begins to develop mid-season and shines bright red after most others of the species have defoliated. Handsome, blue-black, 3/8” fruits are attractive to birds and a good choice for gardeners and designers who wish to create wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Firestarter® Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica ‘JFS-red’ PP 26975
Deep green summer foliage is followed by intense, reliably bright fall color that appears earlier in autumn than that of most cultivars. Its fruitless nature appeals to street tree managers and tree planters in search of a tree that can shade a patio or walkway without the risk of dropping fruit on surfaces where people may tread.
Relatively narrow in form, Firestarter® Tupelo presents a superbly uniform, narrowly oval canopy that’s perfect for street use. A great choice for modern, scaled-down landscape spaces, it reaches a mature height and spread of approximately 35’ x 20’. Species adaptability to seasonal inundation as well as low-oxygen and dry soils make it a top choice for challenging landscape settings.
Green Gable™ Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica ‘NSUHH’ PP 22951
Notable for its clean, dark green, glossy summer foliage the leaves on this remarkable cultivar resist leaf spot and turn radiant red in autumn. Upsweeping branches and a dominant central leader form a narrowly upright, pyramidal canopy that is formal in appearance, resembling the triangular, steep-pitched roof gables that inspired its name. Mature height and spread of this USDA Zone 5 tree are approximately 40’ x 25’.
Red Rage® Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica ‘Haymanred’
Deep green, high gloss summer foliage turns outrageously bright red with the onset of fall weather. Discovered in southern Indiana by plantsman/photographer Michael Hayman, it has all the great features of the species plus good resistance to leaf spot and dependably brilliant fall color! Its upright pyramidal shape makes Red Rage® an excellent candidate for street tree use. Height and spread are approximately 35’ x 20’. USDA Zone 5.
Wildfire Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica ‘Wildfire’
True to its name, Wildfire offers an extra season of brightly colored foliage when new growth emerges deep red in spring. These mature to deep green and provide a contrasting background for new growth that emerges red well into the summer months. Autumn tints are orange yellow to purplish red. Mature height and spread of this broadly pyramidal to oval treeare 40’ x 25’. Hardy through USDA Zone 6.
Gardeners! Please note that our nursery is strictly wholesale. To purchase these and other trees grown by our nursery, please use our Retailer Locator to find sources of JFS trees near you.
