Black Tupelo Tree Seeds (Nyssa sylvatica)
Black Tupelo Tree Seeds (Nyssa sylvatica)
Brilliant, resilient, and deeply rooted.
Nyssa sylvatica, the Black Tupelo—also called Black Gum—is one of North America’s most stunning native trees. Celebrated for its fiery scarlet-to-crimson fall foliage, it also serves as a keystone species, providing nectar, fruit, and shelter for birds, pollinators, and mammals. With its elegant branching and glossy green leaves, the Black Tupelo is both an ecological powerhouse and a breathtaking specimen tree.
Why Choose Black Tupelo?
- Native across the eastern U.S., thriving from wetlands to uplands
- Renowned for brilliant fall color in vivid red, orange, and purple hues
- Produces bluish-black fruits loved by birds and small mammals
- Tolerates diverse soils—from damp lowlands to dry ridges
- Long-lived and highly valued in habitat and landscape settings
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Nyssa sylvatica
- Germination Rate: 91%
- Harvest Year: 2024
- Seed Source: Kentucky, USA
- Stratification: 60–90 days cold stratification required
- USDA Zones: 4–9
- Soil: Prefers moist, acidic soil; adaptable to loam, clay, or sandy soils
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 30–50 ft tall × 20–30 ft wide (can exceed 90 ft in wild settings)
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Packet Sizes: 5, 10, 25, 40, or 100 seeds
FAQ
Is it good for wildlife?
Yes. Its flowers feed bees and pollinators; its fruits support many bird species, including woodpeckers, robins, and grosbeaks.
What makes its fall color special?
Few trees match Black Tupelo’s dramatic reds, oranges, and purples. Its fall display is often cited as one of the best among native trees.
Where does it thrive?
From moist bottoms to upland ridges, it adapts well while preferring consistent moisture and slightly acidic soil.
Related Seeds
Complementary natives for fall color, habitat, and diverse landscapes:
- Red Maple Tree Seeds (Acer rubrum)
- Sweet Gum Tree Seeds (Liquidambar styraciflua)
- Katsura Tree Seeds (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
Evergreen Seed Co. is trusted by growers nationwide for rare, resilient, and high-germination tree seeds. Each order is carefully sourced, tested, and packaged with detailed planting instructions.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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