Wildfire Black Gum (Black Tupelo)

1810 N. Dupont St.
Wilmington, DE 19806
(302) 658 6262
TheDCH.org
Wildfire Black Gum (Black Tupelo)
Nyssa Sylvatica ‘Wildfire’
Description: Spring growth reveals a surprising flush of deep red leaves that continue as long as the new
growth emerges. Tree with a dense, conical or sometimes flat-topped crown, many slender, nearly horizontal
branches, and glossy green summer foliage turning orange-yellow to purple red in autumn.
Mature size: 30—50’ tall.
Leaves: 2-5" long, 1-3" wide. Elliptical or oblong; often crowded on short twigs. Shiny green above, pale and
often hairy beneath; turning bright red in early autumn.
Flowers: Greenish flowers at end of long stalks at base of new leaves in early spring. Many tiny male flowers in
heads 1/2" wide. Groupings of 2-6 female flowers 3/16" long. Male and female usually on separate trees.
Fruit: The blue-black elliptical berries are 3/8-1/2" long with bitter or sour pulp. Ripening in autumn.
Habitat: Extreme S. Ontario east to SW. Maine, south to S. Florida, west to E. Texas, and north to central
Michigan. Grows to 4000' sometimes higher in southern Appalachians. Prefers moist soils of valleys and uplands
in hardwood and pine forests.
Fun Facts: The juicy fruits are consumed by many animals, and are an important food source for many
migrating birds in the fall. This handsome ornamental and shade tree is also attractive to bees for making honey.