Plant/Tree of the Month
November 2006

Nyssa sylvatica

Nyssa sylvatica is know by many common names.A few are; Sour Gum, Black Gum and Black Tupelo. A plant with many common names usually indicates that it has a wide native range and would be recognized by people of many regions. This IS the case with Nyssa sylvatica. It can be found in native forests from Maine to Michigan and South to Florida.

President Henry Copeland favored the Sour Gum. Consequently, a number of specimens were planted on the College of Wooster campus during his tenure as President of the College.

The Sour Gum is usually chosen for planting because of its dependably brilliant red fall foliage. It also has smaller-than average, attractive, dark green summer foliage. It has been my experience that specimens planted in the shade (read woods) grow tall as they reach for light but Sour Gums planted in the open with unrestricted light have a tendency to become weeping and not put up a strong central leader. Mature trees can exceed 60’ in height (see above photo)

Sour Gums have a taproot which makes transplanting somewhat tricky. Nurseries typically avoid this problem by frequent root pruning and selling the trees before they become very large.

Uses--- Sour Gums can be used as street trees or specimen yard trees but they really shine when planted in a parklike setting in groups or a “grove”.
The “Green Team” recommends Nyssa sylvatica for residential planting locations with preference to locations needing multiple specimens in a grove type setting.

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