Nyssa Species, Blackgum, Black Gum Tree, Pepperidge, Sour Gum, Tupelo

I selected mine from those at a garden center. All of the others were very conical in shape, whilst this one had outward reaching top br...Read Moreanches, again, parallel with the ground!! Radically different shape than the others, but no cultivar noted. The day I planted it in October one year, the wind shifted and snow began to set in as I worked. (Lake Erie shoreline). To keep the tree from blowing right over out of its hole, which was happening repeatedly as I tried to cover with planting soil, I "sandbagged" him down with the empty soil bags filled with removed clay clods! That way, his roots would not be jostled, he could stand still in place no matter how the wind bent him, gave him a thorough soaking, and winter set in. I left the "sandbags" in place for 1 full year, (plus then the next winter, why not), (about 6" from trunk, all the way around) ...they held the ground still and protected the soil from evaporation on seriously hot sunny days, as he's out on his own on a tree lawn. No stakes. The trunk thickened right up from wind blow, he's straight, strong, taller and filled out beautifully. Growing to beat the band!! Beautiful tree!! Will be a fine and beloved shade tree sooner than I expected perhaps! Very happy with this tree..survived a nasty prolonged cold winter this year, and held back its spring growth until mid-May, when for this year, the tree was certain winter was truly over. It does that every year, an intelligent tree!! Fall color varies each year, one year was wildly coloured, variable. Gorgeous in every respect, I do very much recommend this as a hardy and handsome shade tree. I did keep very well watered during first 2 years to establish. Now water as needed is all. :)

I have a Nyssa sylvatica var. Biflora, It is a wonderful tree to have if you like to invite birds in your backyard. I have Cardinals that...Read More will sit and gorge themsleves on the dark blue fruit. As of yesterday witnessed the Cardinal eating these before they ripened, I guess he couldn't wait any longer.

I love this tree. Great color and form. The branches grow almost perpendicular to the trunk. Offers great winter interest as well when...Read More the beautiful fall color is gone! When I 'grow up' I want tons of these trees in my yard!!

This tree has great fall color and growth form. It has a nice pyramidal shape when young and grown in the open. Don't try to dig one up t...Read Moreo transplant, the large taproot makes it impossible and they won't live. I have noticed that they color up and defoliate a little early in droughty years.

An absolutely wonderful tree in this area. It grows to a large shade tree and has few pests.

The scarlet leaves in the Fal...Read Morel are distinctive and vibrant. The fruits are eaten by birds and wildlife alike.

It grows well in any well drained soil and I've never noticed that it is more numerous in boggy areas...it's a common sight along fencerows in this area, as birds deposit the seeds when they perch on the fences.

Lumber is useful in furniture,paper, veneer and boxes.

I believe some of the images shown are actually nyssa sylvatica var. biflora (Swamp tupelo) but it's an easy and innocent mistake. Even...Read More way down here you can expect that scarlet color in the fall and down here what's nice is that the leaves turn at the same time but it only lasted a week. I had a couple in a shady spot and they have already called it a night. Not sure about the "consistently moist" requirement. Mine are in containers and I never watered them, I just let mother nature take care of that and she did a great job!

One of the few trees in our region that has fall color, usually starting in late summer. These hardwood trees are just that--we dulled a...Read More couple of chainsaw blades on a few that had to be taken down, and they were only about 4-6 inches in diameter. (Hint: use a really big chainsaw!) They form straight, smooth trunks and a make a good shade tree if they aren't hindered from spreading by other trees. Birds and squirrels eat the black drupes. The only drawback I've found with mine is that they freely sucker down the trunk and have to be trimmed regularly. I think this is because since our place had been timbered, the lower regions are receiving sunlight and spurring the growth.