black tupelo

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

40-70 ft. tall
20-35 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought, Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Once the fruit pulp has been removed, cold moist stratify for 30-60 days.

Plant Planting Notes

Black tupelo trees forma deep taproot, so are not easily transplanted.

Plants/Diseases

Insects that may affect black tupelo trees are leaf miners and scale. Trees are susceptible to leaf spot, cankers, and rust.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves alternate, elliptical to obovate with entire to dentate margins; thick cuticle.

Flowers

Small white to green flowers in umbels.

Fruit

Drupe.

Bark

Dark brown to gray with deep furrows and square or rectangle bark plates.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Fruits are edible.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Upland forests with xeric to mesic soils. Occasionally found in bottomlands or pine savannahs.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina.