Nyssa

New Zealand’s Best Nyssa Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Tupelo trees and the right one for your space. Our Nyssa have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Nyssa trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Nyssa

1. How big do Nyssa trees get?

The size of a Nyssa tree in meters depends on the species and growing conditions. In general, Nyssa sylvatica, also known as black gum or black tupelo, can grow up to 9-15 meters tall with a crown spread of 6-9 meters. However, under optimal conditions, they can reach heights of up to 27 meters tall.

2. Is Nyssa sinensis the same as Nyssa sylvatica?

Nyssa sinensis and Nyssa sylvatica are two distinct species of Nyssa trees, each with its own unique characteristics and origins.

Nyssa sinensis, also known as the Chinese tupelo, is a native tree to China and Vietnam. It is a deciduous tree that typically grows to heights of 30-50 feet (9-15 meters) tall, with a crown spread of 6-12 meters. It has oval, glossy green leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Nyssa sinensis prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate partial shade.

Nyssa sylvatica, also known as the black gum or black tupelo, is a native tree to North America, ranging from the eastern United States to Mexico. It is also a deciduous tree that typically grows to heights of 18-24 meters, with a crown spread of 12-18 meters. It has dark green, elliptic to oblong leaves that turn a vivid orange, yellow, or red in autumn. Nyssa sylvatica prefers moist, acidic soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade.

3. What is the North American tree of the Nyssa genus?

here are three main species of Nyssa trees native to North America:

• Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as black gum or black tupelo, is the most widespread species, ranging from the coastal Northeastern United States and southern Ontario south to central Florida and eastern Texas, as well as Mexico.
• Nyssa biflora, commonly known as swamp tupelo or water tupelo, is found primarily in swamps and floodplains of the Southeastern United States, from Virginia to Texas.
• Nyssa ogeche, commonly known as Ogeechee tupelo, is a more localized species found in swampy habitats along the Atlantic Coastal Plain from Virginia to Florida.

These three species share several characteristics, including:

• Deciduous leaves that turn brilliant colors in autumn
• Small, greenish flowers that produce blue-black drupes
• Preference for moist, acidic soils

While all three species are valuable components of North American ecosystems, Nyssa sylvatica is perhaps the most well-known and widely distributed. It is a popular ornamental tree, appreciated for its attractive foliage, colorful autumn display, and tolerance of a variety of conditions.

4. How big does a Nyssa sylvatica grow?

Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as black gum or black tupelo, can grow up to 18-24 meters tall with a crown spread of 12-18 meters. Under optimal conditions, they can reach heights of up to 27 meters. Their growth rate is relatively slow, averaging about 0.3-0.6 meters per year.

Factors influencing the size of Nyssa sylvatica include:

• Soil quality: Trees growing in rich, well-drained soils are likely to grow larger than those in poor soil conditions.
• Sunlight availability: Trees growing in open areas with ample sunlight tend to grow larger than those in crowded forests or areas with limited sunlight.
• Water access: Trees with consistent access to water are more likely to reach their full growth potential than those in drier environments.
• Overall health: Trees that are free from pests, diseases, and other stressors are generally healthier and more likely to grow larger.

Nyssa sylvatica trees are known for their longevity, with some specimens living for hundreds of years. They are considered a valuable component of North American ecosystems, providing food and shelter for a variety of wildlife species.