Arbor Day Newsletter September/October 2021

Page 1

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 • A R B O R D AY. O R G

Black Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica

Called “one of the best and most consistent native trees for fall color” by horticulture expert Michael Dirr, the black tupelo — also known as the black gum — is a terrific landscaping choice. This tree is one of the first to turn at the start of autumn. Displaying vibrant hues of yellow, orange, bright red, and purple, passersby are sure to stop and admire its breathtaking beauty.

LEAVES: Dark green and waxy, 3-6

inches long and half as wide, with a smooth margin and tapered at both ends. Noted for fall coloration that is often bright scarlet, but sometimes brilliant yellow or orange.

FLOWERS: Small, white, and easily

missed as leaves unfurl in the spring.

FRUIT: oval berries grow to be

BARK: Dark gray or black in thick, blocky ridges resembling alligator hide.

FORM: Pyramid-shaped while

young, becoming more rounded with age. Horizontal limbs give off a layered appearance. About 30–50 feet tall at maturity with a 20–30 foot spread.

WIDLIFE VALUE: The tree’s bluishblack berries attract birds and small mammals and remain on the tree long into winter.

PLANTING: Prefers full sun or

partial shade and deep, moist, acidic soil (pH of six or lower). Tolerates a wide range of soil textures and drought conditions. Suitable for hardiness zones 4–9.

a half-inch long and mature to a shade of dark blue in autumn. Often grow in clusters of two or three.

To purchase or learn more about this tree or others, visit arborday.org/tupelo or scan this QR code. An official publication of

.

We guarantee delivery of healthy trees to our members. Please check ordering deadlines and shipping dates at arborday.org/shipping. If you need to contact us about your trees, call 888-448-7337, email us at info@arborday.org, or drop us a note at Member Services, Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. We want your tree planting efforts to be successful!

© 2021 Arbor Day Foundation. The Foundation sometimes exchanges mailing lists with selected organizations with offers of interest to our members. If you do not want your name included, just write, email, or call Member Services and tell us not to exchange your name.

50131501

COMMUNITY TREE RECOVERY Hope and healing in the wake of natural disasters throughout the world


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.