Black tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica – black tupelo
Tree description
This tree found its home in wet areas across Eastern North America. Tupelo is related to holly and it shares the glossy leaves, but without the prickly spikes. This gives it a much more friendly appearance. Unlike holly, tupelos are deciduous. Before dropping their leaves, tupelo leaves turn to attractive orange-red autumn colors. They have an apically dominant start. The long trunk gives rise to horizontal side branches that droop down with age, not very different from pine trees.