Quick answer: Black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) is native to 31 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Eric Hunt, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist, tolerates poor drainage |
| Soil | Acid-based soils - gravelly, sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-Jun |
| Height | 30-60 ft, up to 100 ft |
| Wildlife value | Fruit for birds and mammals, browse, nectar for bees, special value to honey bees |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Black tupelo
Where is Black tupelo native?
Black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) is native to 31 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Black tupelo bloom?
Black tupelo blooms Apr-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Black tupelo need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Moist, tolerates poor drainage. Soil: Acid-based soils - gravelly, sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay. Mature height: 30-60 ft, up to 100 ft.
Is Black tupelo good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruit for birds and mammals, browse, nectar for bees, special value to honey bees.
Is Black tupelo deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Black tupelo is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Black tupelo seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Nyssa sylvatica on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Black tupelo.
- Flowering dogwood Cornus florida
- American beech Fagus grandifolia
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
- White ash Fraxinus americana
Also listed under
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