Station 16
Botanical Name: Nyssa sylvantica
Common Name: Black Tupelo
Major Deciduous Tree
Native Origin: Eastern North America
Height: 50’
Spread: 20’-30’
Form: Pyramidal to Broadly Columnar
Flowers: Inconspicuous, Green
Fruit: ½” Blue-Black
Bark: Dark Gray, Irregular Ridges
Comments: This tree’s bark with age takes the texture of what some call alligator-like. Black Tupelo is found in moist soils along streams, lakes, and wetlands. Most notable is the autumn color of this tree, turning a spectacular orange and red. The dark blue fruit is a tasty treat for birds and other wildlife. This tree with its horizontal branching is gaining popularity as a shade tree in landscape applications.