Nyssa sylvatica ‘Wildfire’

black gum

black tupelo

  • © J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

Outstanding Qualities

The spring foliage emerges a rich, deep red and flushes of new growth continue this trait until maturity brings a glossy dark green. As the growing season ends the leaves change to an autumnal blend of orange, yellow, scarlet and purple. The tree form is a well-branched, broadly pyramidal to oval shape.

Quick Facts

Plant Type: tree

Growth Habit: oval

Foliage Type: deciduous

Plant Height (10-year): 20 ft. 0 in. (6.10 meters)

Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 12 ft. 0 in. (3.66 meters)

Plant Height-Mature: 40 ft. 0 in. (12.19 meters)

Plant Width-Mature: 25 ft. 0 in. (7.62 meters)

Hardiness: USDA Zones 6 to 8

Sun/Light Exposure: full sun to light or open shade

Water Requirements: regular summer watering

Seasonal Interest: red new growth and superb autumnal color

Culture Notes

This cultivar, 'Wildfire', like the species, prefers to grow in full sun, but will tolerate light or open shade. It is adaptable to many different soil conditions from well-drained to wet soils. It will also tolerate sandy sites and clay. It looks best when it gets regular summer watering. Little pruning is needed to maintain its shape, remove dead, broken or poorly formed branches.