About
Nyssa sylvatica, the tupelo, is a small, slow-growing, deciduous tree of elegant, broadly conical habit. Its inconspicuous flowers are followed by small, dull-purple fruits. Ovate leaves to 15 cm long turn brilliant red and yellow in autumn � among the most spectacular of any British-hardy tree. An outstanding specimen tree for a sheltered, moist, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Nyssa are deciduous trees with ovate leaves that colour brilliantly in autumn; inconspicuous flowers are followed by small, dull-purple fruits. Grown as specimen trees for outstanding autumn colour in sheltered, moist, well-drained gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toEastern N America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, humus-rich, fertile soils with shelter from cold, dry winds. Resents transplanting so grow from small containerised plants
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn or by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility