Specimen record
Black Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica
Description
One of the most spectacular trees for autumn color in New England, black tupelo reliably produces brilliant scarlet to deep red foliage earlier than most other deciduous trees. It grows in a variety of habitats from wet swampy ground to dry upland ridges. The dark blue-black drupes are an important food for migrating birds in autumn. The wood is extremely tough and cross-grained, making it nearly impossible to split.
Identification tips
- 1Simple, alternate, glossy obovate leaves, entire (no teeth), leathery in texture
- 2Among the first trees to turn brilliant scarlet in autumn (often by late September)
- 3Bark on mature trees deeply furrowed into thick rectangular blocks resembling alligator skin
- 4Small dark blue-black oval drupes on long stalks, ripening in September–October
- 5Horizontal branching pattern gives the crown a distinctive layered appearance
Specimen & preservation notes
Collect autumn foliage at peak scarlet color — the brilliant red darkens to brown-red during drying, so note the fresh color. Press the glossy summer leaves as well. Include a cluster of dark fruits if available. Photograph the deeply furrowed bark.
Habitats
Collection calendar
| Wk | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov |
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Collection notes
Season check
Observed bloom also extends into June.
Flowering records: 10 iNaturalist observations, Massachusetts · Nearby: 237 observations within 25 km