Tupelo Tree - Nyssa sylvatica

The Tupelo Tree is an ornamental and deciduous tree that brings brilliant red and orange fall color to your yard, with a pyramidical habit.

Plant Details - Tupelo Tree

Family: Bignoniaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moist

Height: 30 – 50 ft.

Spread: 20 – 30 ft.

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: White

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, birds

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Tupelo Tree

Tupelo Tree is a deciduous tree that will make a great statement in your yard. This tree is dioecious, with both male and female flowers on separate trees, so make sure to get at least two trees to have the best fruit set. This tree is a slow grower, but it will be sure to last for a long time in your yard.

Plant this tree to create a shade garden, rain garden, or use as a focal point in your yard or landscape.

This tree will bloom from late spring through early summer. Its flowers are small and white, and the nectar will attract bees. The tree will produce small, dark blue fruits that are a great source of food for many birds and mammals.

Plant this tree in an area that gets full sun to partial shade. Avoid planting it in a location that has full shade as this will limit its growth.

It prefers well draining, acidic soil. These trees favor and tolerate wet soil very well and are often found in locations that are moist to wet in nature. If you have a wet location or rain garden in your yard, this tree is a great option to stabilize that area.

Watch this tree for signs of insect damage and treat accordingly.

This tree is deer resistant except when it is young.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Tupelo Tree is a great habitat for primary, and also secondary, cavity nesting birds, including owls, woodpeckers, and nuthatches.

As it is hard to find in stores, the honey that is made from the flowers of this tree is highly sought after and prized amongst those in the beekeeping community.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Tupelo tree thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, acidic soil. Water regularly during establishment, then occasionally during dry periods. It’s low-maintenance and resistant to most pests. Prune in late winter if needed.

Plant Reproduction

Tupelo tree spreads through seed dispersal and root suckers.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

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