Nyssa sylvatica

Sunset

Nyssa sylvatica

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Zones 2-10, 14-21, 28, 31-41

Full, Partial

Moderate

Sour Gum
Nyssaceae
Deciduous, Trees

Native to eastern U.S. Slow to moderate growth to 30 to 50 ft. or taller, 15 to 25 ft. wide. Pyramidal when young; spreading, irregular, and rugged in age. Crooked branches and dark, red-tinged bark make dramatic picture against winter sky. Glossy dark green, 2- to 5-in.-long leaves emerge rather late in spring. Male and female flowerborne on separate plants. Both sexes bear inconspicuous flowers; females will bear fruit if a male is growing nearby (males may set some fruit as well). Fruits are bluish black, shaped like small olives; birds like them, but the fruits can make a mess on decks and driveways. In fall, even in mild-winter regions, leaves turn yellow and orange, then bright red before dropping.