- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 30 - 40 Feet
- Mature Spread 4 - 6 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 9
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
Tupelo Tower Black Gum Tree (Nyssa sylvatica ‘WFH1’) shows off glossy, deep green leaves in summer and then lights up the fall landscape with brilliant hues of yellow, scarlet, and purple. Growing to about 40 feet in height and 15 feet wide, this selection maintains a handsome upright columnar form that complements tighter spaces. Its furrowed bark adds extra appeal, while small black drupes emerge in early autumn to delight birds. If you’re seeking a space-saving shade or focal tree with unforgettable color, Tupelo Tower Black Gum deserves top consideration.
Tupelo Tower Black Gum handles diverse soils and moderate moisture, plus it exhibits resistance to salt and mild deer browsing. Native to North America, it thrives in full to partial sun and works well in woodland edges, yard borders, or front lawns as a specimen. Whether you aim to attract songbirds, build a tall screen, or define a property line, this tree offers beauty and ecological benefit. For those looking to accent mixed plantings or line a driveway, its consistent silhouette and pest tolerance are major assets.
Tupelo Tower Black Gum Tree Care
Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic soil under full sun to part sun conditions. While it appreciates average moisture, it resents waterlogged ground, so consider gentle slope areas or raised beds if drainage is uncertain. Water regularly in the first few years, helping the tree establish a robust root system—after that, moderate watering typically suffices. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring can boost foliage growth and color intensity. Mulching around the base retains soil moisture and helps regulate root temperatures, especially during heat waves.
Prune lightly in late winter, once severe cold has passed. Remove dead or weak limbs to maintain a clean, central leader, but minimal shaping is generally needed. If grown in a container, monitor root confinement and consider upgrading to a larger pot every few years. Keeping the tree mulched and adequately watered will preserve its health, even in tough climates.
Tupelo Tower Black Gum Tree Spacing
When creating a screen or hedge, place plants about 12 to 15 feet apart to foster a uniform canopy. For single specimens, allow at least 15 to 20 feet from other structures or trees so the columnar shape can stand out. Container-grown trees often need a pot diameter of at least 20 inches, and be ready to move to a larger container if roots become cramped. This spacing ensures each Tupelo Tower Black Gum can develop its distinctive silhouette and radiant autumn display.
Tupelo Tower Black Gum Tree Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 30 - 40 Feet |
Mature Spread: 4 - 6 Feet |
Spacing: 4 - 6 Feet |
Habit: Columnar |
Flower Color(s): Green |
Flower Description: Greenish-White |
Bloom Period: Spring |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Orange, Purple, Red |
Foliage Description: dark green, glossy,red, orange, purple |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Fall Interest, 3 Season Interest |
Watering: Moderate |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit, Disease, Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Heat, Drought |
Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Combinations, Containers, Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Sensory Gardens, Wetland Areas & Ponds, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Deadheading Not Necessary, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America, Award Winner |
Brand: |
Common Name: Tupelo Tower Black Gum Tree |
Other Name(s): Tupelo Tree |
Scientific Name: Nyssa sylvatica `Tupelo Tower` |
- SKU:
- 1231021451-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.