Description
Nyssa sylvatica
CT RG P EcoR
Mature Height: 30 to 60 feet
Mature Width: 20 to 30 feet
Soil: Acidic loam
Moisture: Average to Wet
Light: Full to Part Sun
Pests: None
Landscape Value: Great as a shade tree. Grows well in moist woodland gardens, along pond edges, and in low spots prone to periodic flooding. Excellent bright orange-scarlet fall foliage.
Slow-growing, deciduous tree with a straight trunk, rounded crown, and nearly horizontal branches. Glossy, dark green leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and scarlet in the autumn. Small greenish-white flowers appear in spring after leaves begin to unfold. Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees, but each tree has some flowers of the opposite sex. Male flowers appear in spherical heads; female flowers occur in long-stalked clusters and yield small, blue-black fruits that attract many mammals and fall-migrating birds. Flowers are an excellent nectar source for bees. Tolerates poor drainage, occasional drought, dryish soil, clay soil, and black walnut. Trees have a long taproot and do not transplant well once established. Fruits are edible, but sour-to-bitter tasting. An excellent honey tree, producing light and mild tasting honey.
2 gallon pot, 18-24 inches tall
Photo Credits:
Missouri Botanical Garden
University of Maryland Extension
