Black Tupelo

About this plant

The Black Tupelo, also known as Black Gum or Sour Gum, is a distinguished native tree celebrated for its striking appeal throughout the year. In spring, its emerging leaves boast a reddish tint, maturing to a glossy, dark green in summer. The true spectacle arrives in autumn, when foliage transforms into an unrivaled display of fiery reds, oranges, and purples, often on the same branch. Its unique horizontal branching habit creates an interesting silhouette, adding architectural interest to the winter landscape. Beyond its ornamental value, Nyssa sylvatica is a powerhouse for local wildlife. Its small, dark blue fruits provide a crucial food source for migrating birds and other fauna, while its nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other pollinators. An excellent choice for naturalized settings, rain gardens, or as a specimen tree, the Black Tupelo adapts well to various soil conditions.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average to wet, acidic soils. Prefers full sun to partial shade. Established trees are drought tolerant, but appreciate consistent moisture. Generally pest and disease resistant. Minimal pruning required, primarily for shaping or removing dead/damaged branches.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.