Black Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica 'Isabel Grace'
ABOUT
The Nyssa sylvatica 'Isabel Grace', commonly known as the Black Gum or Tupelo, is a deciduous tree known for its ornamental features. The leaves of the Black Gum are glossy and have a leathery texture, showcasing an elliptical to obovate shape. Throughout the seasons, the foliage transforms from a bright green in spring and summer to a striking array of fiery reds, oranges, and sometimes even purples in the fall. This vibrant autumnal display is one of the tree's most admired characteristics. As the Black Gum matures, its bark develops interesting furrows and ridges, adding a textural component to its appearance. The bark is often described as deeply checkered or resembling alligator skin. Another characteristic of the Black Gum is the attractive pattern of its branches; they tend to grow in a somewhat horizontal manner, giving the tree a distinctive, tiered structure. The Black Gum produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring that are greenish-white, which give way to bluish-black fruits by autumn. The fruit is a favorite among birds and wildlife, though not particularly noteworthy for human consumption. The flowers are not showy, but they do provide some interest upon close inspection and are beneficial to pollinators. Overall, the Black Gum 'Isabel Grace' is appreciated for its gorgeous seasonal color changes, the unique texture of its bark, and the pleasing structure of its branches, making it a valuable addition to landscapes for visual interest throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nyssaceae
Synonyms
Black Tupelo, Black Gum, Sour Gum, Tupelo Gum, Pepperidge
Common names
Nyssa sylvatica 'Isabel Grace'.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Nyssa sylvatica 'Isabel Grace' is Black Tupelo or simply Tupelo. Black Tupelo is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of the leaves, fruit, or any other part of this plant is not typically associated with poisoning or adverse effects.
To pets
Black Tupelo is also not known to be toxic to pets. This means that if a pet such as a dog or a cat ingests parts of this plant, they are not likely to experience symptoms of poisoning or other serious health consequences attributable to the plant itself.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
30-50 feet (9-15 meters)
Spread
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - The Nyssa sylvatica 'Isabel Grace', commonly known as Black Tupelo, has a beautiful pyramidal to oval shape that provides visual interest to any landscape.
- Seasonal Colors - It offers a stunning display of colors throughout the seasons, with dark green summer foliage, spectacular fall colors ranging from yellow to orange and reddish purple, and sometimes even bright scarlet.
- Wildlife Habitat - The Black Tupelo serves as a valuable food source for birds and wildlife, particularly its small, bluish-black fruits which are favored by many bird species.
- Low Maintenance - Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance tree.
- Adaptability - It is capable of adapting to a wide range of soil types, though it prefers moist, acidic soils.
- Landscape Versatility - The Black Tupelo can be used for various landscaping purposes, including as a shade tree, street tree, or even in naturalized or woodland settings.
- Longevity - Nyssa sylvatica is known for its long lifespan and can be a lasting addition to any landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as Black Tupelo, can be used in woodworking projects due to its attractive grain and strength, making it suitable for furniture and cabinetry.
- The dense wood of Black Tupelo makes it appropriate for creating mallets and tool handles that require durability and a resistance to splitting.
- Black Tupelo's fall foliage can be collected and pressed as a natural decoration for crafting, scrapbooking, or creating autumn-themed art pieces.
- As a native tree, it is ideal for natural landscaping, providing a habitat and food source for local wildlife such as birds and mammals.
- The hollow trunks of older Black Tupelo trees can serve as bee hives for wild bees, supporting local ecosystems and pollination.
- When trimmed, the branches of Black Tupelo can be used in floral arrangements as they provide strong structural elements and seasonal color.
- The tree's dense canopy makes it an excellent choice for creating shaded areas in parks or gardens, providing relief from the sun during hotter seasons.
- Black Tupelo wood can be used for making smoking chips or chunks that add a unique flavor to barbecued meats due to its fruity-smoky aroma.
- Bark and leaves from the Black Tupelo can be used for natural dye-making, producing colors ranging from yellow to brown depending on the mordant used.
- The fibrous roots of Black Tupelo trees can help stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion, making it beneficial for watershed management projects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiBlack Gum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityBlack Gum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Autumn Beauty: Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as Black Gum or Tupelo, is renowned for its striking autumn foliage that symbolizes the beauty and change inherent in life's cycles.
- Resilience: The Black Gum's ability to thrive in various soil types and conditions represents resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
- Longevity: With its potential to live for hundreds of years, the Black Gum signifies endurance and the passage of time.
- Wildlife Support: The tree's berries provide nourishment for birds and wildlife, symbolizing nourishment and the sustenance of life.
WaterThe Black Tupelo should be watered regularly, ideally once a week with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water, ensuring that the root zone is moist. During hot, dry periods, water deeply every 5 to 7 days. In the first growing season, it's crucial to establish a deep and extensive root system with thorough watering. Adjust the watering frequency based on soil type and weather conditions, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
LightBlack Tupelo thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is one where the tree receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Adequate light is crucial for the best foliage color and overall health of the tree.
TemperatureThe Black Tupelo is hardy and adaptable to a range of temperature conditions, tolerating a minimum temperature of around -30°F and withstanding heat up to at least 100°F. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 50°F and 70°F. It is known for its ability to handle varying temperatures once established.
PruningPrune the Black Tupelo to remove dead or damaged branches, improve structure, and encourage health, ideally during late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning should be done as needed but not excessively, and always with clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Black Tupelo prefers acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A well-draining soil mix that includes organic matter like peat moss and perlite would be ideal to maintain moisture while providing aeration.
RepottingBlack Tupelos are typically slow-growing trees and don't need frequent repotting. Repotting every 3-5 years or when rootbound is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingBlack Tupelo enjoys moderate to high humidity but is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Needs full sun to partial shade, and moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleTupelo 'Isabel Grace', like many trees, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after a period of dormancy, germinates in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedling stage follows, characterized by initial root growth and the development of a shoot that pushes through the soil surface. As it matures into a sapling, the tree develops a more extensive root system, a sturdy trunk, and distinct leaves. During the juvenile phase, 'Isabel Grace' experiences rapid growth and begins to establish its characteristic pyramidal to ovoid shape. Once mature, the tree produces flowers annually in the spring, which, after pollination, develop into small, bluish fruit that serve to disperse seeds for reproduction. Finally, 'Isabel Grace' enters a period of senescence as it ages, marked by reduced growth and productivity until it eventually dies, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Black Tupelo, also known as Nyssa sylvatica 'Isabel Grace', is by seed. Seed propagation involves collecting ripe berries in the fall, cleaning them to remove the pulp, and then stratifying the seeds to overcome dormancy. Stratification typically requires chilling the seeds for 60 to 90 days at about 34 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 5 degrees Celsius) to simulate winter conditions, which helps break the seeds' dormancy and encourages germination. After stratification, seeds should be sown in a well-draining germination mix, lightly covered with soil, and kept moist but not wet. Germination can be slow and erratic, but with patience and careful attention to moisture and temperature, young seedlings will emerge and can eventually be transplanted outdoors once they have developed a strong root system and are large enough to handle the elements.