Black Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica
Last reviewed: July 2026
Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo) is a deciduous native tree found across eastern North America from Maine to Florida and west to Kansas. It blooms in May and June, attracting bees and butterflies.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Black Tupelo as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–720" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, FL and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Black tupelo is a beautiful native shade tree known for its stunning fall color that ranges from yellow to orange to deep red. It grows slowly into a pyramidal shape when young, becoming more irregular with age, and produces small blue-black berries that birds love.
Growing Black Tupelo
Grow Black Tupelo in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 720 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Black Tupelo is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Berry drop may stain pavement or sidewalks
Wildlife value
Host plant for tiger swallowtail, spring azure.
This tree supports over 30 species of moths and butterflies as a host plant, while its spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The berries are an important food source for birds including woodpeckers, thrushes, and wild turkeys.
Common questions
- Where does Black Tupelo grow naturally?
- Black Tupelo is native to eastern North America, naturally occurring from Maine south to Florida and west to Kansas, including most southeastern and mid-Atlantic states.
- When does Nyssa sylvatica bloom?
- Black Tupelo blooms during late spring, typically in May and June, producing small greenish flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Black Tupelo?
- Black Tupelo flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a valuable native tree for supporting pollinator populations in eastern forests.
- What growing conditions does Black Tupelo prefer?
- Black Tupelo is adaptable to various light conditions from full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of moisture levels from wet to moderately dry soils.
- Is Black Tupelo toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Black Tupelo as toxic to livestock.
- Is Black Tupelo HOA-friendly?
- Black Tupelo is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Black Tupelo? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz