BLACK TUPELO

or BLACKGUM

BLACK TUPELO or Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica)

Black tupelo is found as far north as Waterville but is not common except in swamps in York County. Trees 2 feet in diameter are found in the Town of Casco on an island in Sebago Lake. Large specimens have also been reported on the south side of Pleasant Mt. in Denmark on a flat, open, wet area. It is easily distinguished at a distance by its numerous slender horizontal branches. The tree rarely reaches more than 50 feet in height. It occurs in rich moist soils, such as swamps or borders of rivers.

The bark on young trees is smooth, grayish and flaky, later becoming reddish to grayish brown and on old trees forms coarse blocks or ridges.

The leaves are alternate, oval to oblate in shape, 2-5 inches long, wedge-shaped at the base and pointed at the tip. The edges are usually entire. The leaves are dark green, shiny above, occasionally hairy below, turning bright crimson in the autumn.

The fruit is dark blue, fleshy, approximately 1/2 inch in length and is borne in clusters of 1-3 on long, slender stems. The fruit has an acid taste but is edible.

The twigs are moderately stout with a diaphragmed pith.

The wood is heavy, fine grained, very tough but not durable. It was formerly used for the hubs of wheels, and for soles of shoes. It is now used principally for pulp.