Black Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica 'Jermyns Flame'
ABOUT
The Nyssa sylvatica 'Jermyns Flame', commonly known as the Black Tupelo or Black Gum, is a deciduous tree known for its stunning display of autumn foliage. Although the sizes vary, its appearance throughout the seasons is consistent with the species traits. During spring, it sprouts small, inconspicuous flowers, which are usually greenish-white. The leaves are initially a medium green color and ovate to elliptical in shape with a glossy finish. As fall approaches, the leaves undergo a dramatic transformation, showcasing a fiery array of colors ranging from bright red to deep purple, living up to its 'Jermyns Flame' namesake. The bark is deeply furrowed, providing textural interest and is a mature grayish color. The tree also produces bluish-black fruit that is a favorite among birds. Overall, the Black Tupelo 'Jermyns Flame' is characterized by its striking fall foliage which makes it a popular choice for ornamental planting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nyssaceae
Synonyms
Black Gum, Sour Gum, Black Tupelo, Tupelo, Tupelo Gum
Common names
Nyssa sylvatica 'Jermyns Flame'.
ToxicityTo humans
Black tupelo is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of toxicity from ingesting parts of this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially occur, but normal handling or incidental ingestion of Black tupelo is not known to cause poisoning or harmful effects in humans.
To pets
Black tupelo is similarly not known to be toxic to pets. There are no significant reports of poisoning in domestic animals from consuming parts of this tree. As with humans, individual animals may have allergies or sensitivities, but Black tupelo is not recognized as a poisonous plant to pets such as dogs and cats.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
30 feet (9 meters)
Spread
20 feet (6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Year-round interest: Nyssa sylvatica 'Jermyns Flame', commonly known as Black Tupelo, provides aesthetic value throughout all seasons with its varied foliage, flowers, and fruits.
- Attractive fall foliage: Black Tupelo is celebrated for its stunning autumn colors, which add a vibrant display to any landscape.
- Wildlife habitat: Various wildlife, including birds and small mammals, are attracted to the tree for its fruits and as a nesting site.
- Erosion control: With its extensive root system, the Black Tupelo helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially in sloped areas.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it exhibits good tolerance to drought, making it a resilient choice for various landscapes.
- Low maintenance: Black Tupelo requires minimal care once it has become established, as it is not commonly affected by pests or diseases.
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 'Jermyns Flame', commonly known as Black Gum, can be tapped for water in survival situations as the tree can hold a significant amount of water in its hollow trunk.
- The wood of Black Gum is often used in the creation of cutting boards and butcher blocks due to its resistance to splitting and its fine grain.
- In woodworking, Black Gum is valued for making baskets and small wooden utensils because it is relatively easy to split into very thin strips.
- The dense wood of this tree is occasionally used in the manufacturing of tool handles because of its high energy absorption properties and toughness.
- Black Gum is used in landscaping to create rain gardens or areas designed to absorb excess rainwater, helping to manage stormwater runoff.
- Due to its resistance to wear and abrasion, the wood of Black Gum trees is utilized for flooring in high-traffic areas, particularly in traditional or rustic settings.
- Some artisans use the wood from Black Gum for creating unique sculpture pieces because of its interesting grain patterns and texture.
- In apiculture, Black Gum can be planted near beekeeping areas as its flowers produce nectar that results in a distinctive honey.
- Bark from the Black Gum tree is sometimes used as mulch for gardening purposes due to its fibrous and moisture-retentive characteristics.
- Because of its dense canopy, Black Gum is planted for noise reduction in urban and suburban landscapes to create a quieter environment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Black Tupelo is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Black Tupelo is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as Tupelo, often grows in difficult conditions, such as swamps and floodplains, symbolizing the ability to thrive in challenging environments.
- Hardiness: Tupelo trees are known for being hardy and capable of withstanding harsh conditions, representing strength and endurance.
- Change: The cultivar 'Jermyns Flame' suggests the brilliant red fall foliage of the Tupelo, embodying transformation and the beauty of change.
- Growth: Tupelos are relatively fast-growing trees, symbolizing personal growth and development.
- Adaptability: Their natural habitat's variability reflects adaptability to life's changing circumstances.
WaterThe Black Gum or Tupelo tree, specifically the 'Jermyns Flame', appreciates being watered regularly, especially during dry spells and its initial years after planting to establish a strong root system. During the growing season, watering should be deep and thorough, equivalent to about 1-2 inches of rainfall per week. This can equate to watering with approximately 15 to 30 gallons for a young tree each week, adjusting as necessary for precipitation. Soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent water-logging. In winter, reduce watering as the tree's water requirements decrease.
LightThe Black Gum tree thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. This tree can tolerate some shade, but for the best fall color, a spot with more sunlight is preferable.
TemperatureThe Black Gum tree is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, capable of withstanding winter lows down to -20°F and summer highs well above 100°F. The tree’s ideal growing conditions are in areas where the average temperatures are between 70°F and 90°F during the growing season. These temperatures encourage healthy growth and vibrant fall foliage.
PruningPruning the Black Gum tree is typically done to remove any damaged or dead branches, maintain its shape, and promote healthy growth. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune as needed, but avoid excessive cutting as the tree has a naturally appealing shape. Light pruning can also be done in summer if necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlack tupelo 'Jermyns Flame' thrives in acidic, well-drained soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. The best soil mix can be a combination of loamy soil, compost, and coarse sand to ensure good drainage and fertility. Mulching with organic material can help maintain soil moisture and structure.
RepottingBlack tupelo 'Jermyns Flame' does not require frequent repotting; it can be done every 3-5 years, as it is a slow-growing tree. Repotting is best performed in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingBlack tupelo 'Jermyns Flame' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions, making it versatile and adaptable to various environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suited for indoor cultivation; it's a large tree.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, acidic soil, and mulch well for outdoor growth.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleNyssa sylvatica 'Jermyns Flame', commonly known as Black Tupelo or Black Gum, begins its life as a seed that germinates in the spring, requiring moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It develops into a seedling with distinct, green leaves that may display a hint of the characteristic autumn reddish-purple coloration even when young. As the seedling matures into a sapling, it establishes a deep taproot and begins to form its straight trunk and horizontal branches. The Black Tupelo then transitions to its reproductive phase, blooming with inconspicuous flowers in the spring, which after pollination, produce small, blue-black fruits that ripen in the fall and are eaten by birds and wildlife. As an adult tree, it experiences a prolonged period of radial growth and canopy expansion, often reaching 30 to 50 feet in height. The tree's life culminates in its senescence stage, characterized by reduced vitality, until it eventually dies and decomposes, returning nutrients to the ecosystem.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Black Tupelo 'Jermyns Flame' is commonly propagated by seed, but the most popular method is softwood cuttings taken in early summer. To propagate using this method, cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) length of healthy new growth. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful root development. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least two to three nodes are buried where leaves were removed. The pots should be kept under high humidity, for instance, by covering with a plastic bag with holes for ventilation, and in a location with indirect sunlight. Cuttings typically root within a few weeks to a few months, after which they can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually replanted outdoors.
