Tupelo Tower Black Gum

Tupelo Tower Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica 'Tupelo Tower')

Tupelo Tower Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica 'Tupelo Tower') is a narrowly upright cultivar of the native black gum, selected for its strong central leader, columnar shape, and consistent fall color. This compact, vertical form is ideal for tight spaces where height is needed without sacrificing ground space, making it a smart solution for streetscapes, urban yards, or formal garden designs.

Distinctive Features

'Tupelo Tower' maintains a narrow, symmetrical silhouette with glossy dark green foliage that remains clean and dense throughout the growing season. In autumn, the leaves transition to a rich tapestry of red, orange, and burgundy, creating a dramatic vertical accent. The naturally tight habit and improved branching structure provide architectural presence while keeping maintenance minimal. Its refined form and seasonal color shift make it a reliable focal point in both residential and commercial landscapes.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, acidic, well-drained soil; tolerant of a range of soil types including clay
• Water: Moderate; prefers regular moisture but adapts to average conditions
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Tall, narrow form with vivid fall color adds visual height and drama
• Street Tree: Fits well in parkways, median strips, and other restricted urban sites
• Privacy Screen: Vertical growth habit creates seasonal screening in narrow spaces
• Formal Landscapes: Strong structure works well in rows or symmetrical plantings
• Naturalized Plantings: Native species supports local wildlife and pollinators

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture during the first few years; drought tolerant once established
• Pruning: Very little pruning required due to naturally tidy growth
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring only if needed to support growth
• Mulching: Apply mulch to preserve moisture and regulate root temperature
• Longevity: Long-lived and resistant to most pests and diseases

Why Choose Tupelo Tower Black Gum?

• Space-Saving Form: Upright habit fits into narrow planting areas
• Outstanding Fall Color: Reliable red and orange hues in autumn
• Urban Adaptability: Handles heat, compacted soils, and street-side conditions
• Wildlife Value: Native origin supports birds and beneficial insects
• Focal Point: Combines vertical architecture with multiseason appeal

Nyssa sylvatica 'Tupelo Tower' offers the native resilience of black gum with a columnar form that meets the needs of modern landscapes, delivering fall brilliance and vertical interest with minimal maintenance.