Wildfire Black Tupelo

About this plant

The Wildfire Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire') lives up to its name, igniting your yard with brilliant scarlet and orange hues in autumn. This exceptional cultivar is celebrated for its early and intense fall coloration, providing a breathtaking spectacle that often begins in late summer. Beyond its dazzling autumnal show, 'Wildfire' offers year-round appeal. Its lustrous dark green leaves provide a handsome backdrop throughout the growing season, and its naturally graceful, pyramidal to oval form adds architectural interest to any garden. As a versatile and low-maintenance native, the Wildfire Black Tupelo is an excellent choice for a specimen tree, shade tree, or as part of a naturalized planting. It adapts well to various soil conditions and boasts strong disease and pest resistance.

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

Prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soils, though tolerant of a range of soil types once established. Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Little pruning is required, primarily to maintain desired shape or remove 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.