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Native Plant Society of Texas

Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Other common name(s):

Tupelo, Blackgum, Black Tupelo, Sourgum, Pepperidge, Tupelo Gum, Beetlebung

Family:

Nyssaceae (Tupelo Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

East Central Texas Plains, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Bastrop Lost Pines, Floodplains and Low Terraces2, Northern Post Oak Savanna, Northern Prairie Outliers, San Antonio Prairie, Southern Post Oak Savanna
Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes
Flatwoods, Floodplains and Low Terraces3, Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces, Red River Bottomlands, Southern Tertiary Uplands, Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

75
to
100
ft.

Spread

40
to
70
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Moist, Poor Drainage, Sand

Light Requirement

Sun, Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Brown, Green, White

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Fall Color, Fruit, Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Bees, Birds, Small Mammals

Maintenance

Usually found in moist areas and bottomlands. This species will grow in drier soils than other species of Tupelo but can still tolerate poor drainage. Slow growing. Transplants poorly due to fleshy, non-fibrous root system. Older trees subject to insect and disease problems.

Description

Blooms April-June. An attractive, slow growing tree with a conical or flat topped shape. Smooth, waxy, dark-green summer foliage, that turns bright fall colors in cooler regions and less so in warmer areas. Male and female flowers on separate trees, the male flowers in spherical clusters, the female flowers on long stalks followed by small, blue/black fruits. Honey made from Tupelo trees is very popular.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Nyssa sylvatica var. caroliniana, Nyssa sylvatica var. dilatata, Nyssa sylvatica var. typica

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification Once the fruit has softened, carefully remove the seeds. These need a cold stratification period (mimicking winter conditions) to break dormancy. This can be achieved by storing the seeds in a moist medium like peat moss or vermiculite in a refrigerator for 60-90 days. After the stratification period, sow the seeds in a seed tray or directly into the ground. They need well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Germination can take several weeks, sometimes even months, so patience is a virtue. Black gum seeds mature in the fall, encased within the tree’s deep blue-black fruit. Gather the fruit and allow them to ferment in a cool, moist environment for a couple of days. This process helps to loosen the seed coat and promote germination. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-nyssa-sylvatica/ 2) https://plants.nativemainegardens.org/plants/nyssa-sylvatica/
Stem Cutting Dip the bottom end of the cutting into a rooting hormone powder or solution to encourage root development. Plant the cuttings in a mixture of equal parts perlite and peat moss. Maintain a consistently moist environment, and keep the cuttings in a shady location. During the rooting process, you can create a humidity dome by covering the cuttings with a plastic wrap or recycled plastic bottle. While rooting cuttings may take less time than starting from seed, it still requires patience. Typically, you can expect roots to form in a few months. Once they show signs of new growth, you can gradually acclimate them to sunlight and eventually transplant them outdoors. The best time to take black gum cuttings is in the early summer, after the new growth has hardened. Choose healthy, disease-free branches that are about six inches long. 1) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Nyssa_sylvatica.html 2) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-nyssa-sylvatica/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason