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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

Wetland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Brown, Green, White

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Fall Color, Fruit, Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Bees, Birds, Small Mammals

Maintenance

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. Native habitat: low, wet woods, drier, sandy sites, acidic boggy or peaty soils, along swamp margins, adaptable to upland sites.

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

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason