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Nyssa sylvatica

Sourgum (Black-gum / Black Tupelo/ Pepperridge)

A large, slow-growing, specimen tree suitable for poorly drained sites. The upright to oval form broadens as it matures becoming irregular in shape. Glossy, dark green foliage turns to an orange and scarlet colour in the fall. Bluish-black fruit ripens in late September.

  • »  Upright, oval to rounded crown
  • »  Small, non-showy, greenish-white flowers
  • »  Mainly dioecious: trees are male or female and sometimes both
  • »  Flowers give way to dark blue, oval fruit
  • »  Obovate to elliptic leaves are dark green above and paler below
  • »  Fall foliage is a brilliant scarlet colour
  • »  Bloom Time: Spring

2gal
$47.25
5gal
$204.00
Contact Us for Availability
7gal
$294.00
B&B in Container
$945.00
  • Category:Trees
  • Hardiness Zone:3
  • Height:10-15 m
  • Spread:9-10 m
  • Bloom Color: White
Exposure
• Full Sun
• Partial Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture
• Moist to Wet Soils
• Moist to Average
• Well-drained
Attracts Wildlife
• Attracts Birds
Growth Rate
• Slow
Attributes
• Native to Ontario
• Deciduous
• Fall Color
• Fruit
• Salt Tolerant
Flowering Time
• Spring
Habit
• Oval
• Pyramidal
Foliage Color
• Green (dark)
• Red
Landscape uses
• Naturalizing
• Specimen
• Woodland/woods edge
Planting instructions
• Container Plants
Additional Information about Nyssa sylvatica

Native to Ontario and part of North America.

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Nyssa sylvatica

An excellent ornamental shade tree with brilliant fall colour and suitable for a wide range of locations, including typically wetter areas. Grows best in a slightly acidic soil. The fruits are technically edible but quite sour, and attractive to birds when they ripen.