Upper branches of Nyssa sylvatica (Blackgum) with the beginnings of early fall foliage.

Nyssa sylvatica (Blackgum)

Regular price$54.95
/
Available for local pick-up and delivery only
Qualifies for Marylanders Plant Trees Coupon ($25 Off) - see below for more info

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Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as blackgum or black tupelo, is a medium-sized tree native to wet lowland areas across much of the eastern half of the United States. Growing to 40-70' tall in the wild, most cultivated blackgum grow to only 20-50' tall and 20-30' wide, making them a good shade or specimen tree with excellent fall foliage for use in parks and small yards. In addition to shade and specimen trees, Nyssa sylvatica is also a great resource for wetland restoration and naturalization planting.

Blooming from May to June, Nyssa sylvatica's yellow-green flowers are not showy, but are a great source of nectar for pollinators and butterflies. Pollinated flowers require both male and female plants, but turn to berry-like hanging drupes that are blue to black in color; though technically edible, fruits are astringent and unpleasant. Although blackgum fruits may not be up to snuff for human consumption, they are a calorie dense favorite of birds and wildlife, including a variety of songbirds, that eat the fruit directly from the branch, as well as a number of mammals like black bear, foxes, raccoons and opossums that eat the fruit from the ground.

Aside from its fruit, black tupelo is also a host plant for a number of caterpillar species, including Cadbury's mystique moth (Comachara cadburyi), the azalea sphinx moth (Darapsa choerilus), and the alien probole moth (Probole alienaria). In addition to moths, mammals, and birds, Nyssa sylvatica is even a host tree to frogs! With a variety of natural hollows and deeply furrowed bark, a variety of tree frogs find their summer homes along black tupelo's branches, making it an outstanding addition for wildlife and the home garden.

Straight Species, Native to U.S., Native to Maryland, and Native to Eastern Shore
Mature Tree Height: Large: over 30 feet
Deciduous
Sun (6+ hours) and Part Shade/Sun (4-6 hours of sun)
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet and Wet
Soil Type: Acidic, Average, and Wide Tolerance
Bloom Time: Spring
Flower Color: Yellow and Green
Foliage Color: Green
Features: Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Wildlife, Host Plant for Butterflies or Moths, Keystone Plant, Berries, Erosion Control, and Fall Color
Tolerances: Black Walnut Tolerant, Clay Soil Tolerant, Flood Tolerant, Salt Tolerant, and Wet Soil Tolerant
Garden Type: Woodland Garden, Wetland Restoration, Specimen Tree, and Shade Tree

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Marylanders Plant Trees

From the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

"We launched Marylanders Plant Trees in 2009 to encourage citizens and organizations to partner with the State to plant new trees. Today, citizens can still take advantage of our coupon program to receive $25 off the purchase of a native tree at 86 participating nurseries across the State. The State cost of $20 per coupon is funded through a settlement from a major power generator for Clean Air Act violations, in partnership with the Office of the Attorney General, and Maryland’s participating tree vendors are generously absorbing the remaining $5.

Trees must be planted in the state of Maryland to qualify for $25 off coupon.
Wholesale customers do not qualify.


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