Black Gum Tree Live Plant, Nyssa sylvatica, 18–30 Inch Potted Black Tupelo, Brilliant Red Fall Color, Native Shade Tree

Black Gum Tree – 18–30 Inch Live Potted Tree

Add spectacular fall color and lasting landscape beauty with a live Black Gum tree (Nyssa sylvatica), also known as Black Tupelo or Sour Gum. Native to eastern North America, this hardy deciduous tree is especially prized for its brilliant autumn foliage, which can display shades of yellow, orange, and deep red.

You will receive: 1 live Black Gum tree, 18–30 inches tall, fully rooted in soil in its pot.

Tree Features

• Botanical name: Nyssa sylvatica

• Common names: Black Gum, Black Tupelo, Sour Gum

• Quantity: 1 live tree

• Shipped size: 18–30 inches tall

• Mature height: Approximately 60–80 feet

• Mature spread: Approximately 20–30 feet

• Growth habit: Upright pyramidal when young, becoming rounded with age

• Foliage: Glossy green leaves

• Fall color: Brilliant yellow, orange, and primarily dark red

• USDA hardiness zones: 3–9

Outstanding Fall Color

Black Gum is often celebrated for its exceptional autumn display. Its glossy green summer foliage transforms into vivid fall colors, especially rich shades of red, making it a beautiful addition to home landscapes.

As the tree matures, its bark develops an interesting alligator-hide appearance that adds year-round visual character.

Landscape Uses

Black Gum is a versatile native tree suited to several landscape settings, including:

• Lawn and shade tree plantings

• Rain gardens

• Street and driveway plantings

• Moist areas and flood plains

• Areas with runoff or natural springs

• Wildlife-friendly landscapes

Its roots naturally grow downward, which can make transplanting trees older than four years difficult. Choose the planting location carefully and plant young trees where you intend them to grow.

Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Prefers moist, organic soils

• Water: Tolerates standing water for several weeks and some drought once established

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9

Black Gum is especially useful in landscapes with moist soil conditions and can help absorb moisture from runoff and natural springs.

Wildlife Value

The tree provides a food source for bees, birds, and other small wildlife, making it a valuable addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.

Shipping & Plant Information

• Quantity: 1 live tree

• Size: 18–30 inches tall

• Root condition: Fully rooted in soil and shipped in its pot

• Spring and summer: Ships with leaves

• Fall and winter: Ships dormant without leaves

• Growing medium: Soil-less mix

• Carrier: UPS

• Shipping: Free to most locations

We can ship to all states, but shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, APO addresses, U.S. Territories, and remote locations may require a freight surcharge. We cannot ship to PO Boxes.

Scenic Hill Farm is a licensed Oregon nursery.

Plant a Black Gum tree for outstanding autumn color, native landscape beauty, and wildlife value!