The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Wildfire black tupelo, Wildfire blackgum, Wildfire sourgum

Family: Nyssaceae (tupelo family)

Distribution: Species native to e. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: This excellent ornamental, native, deciduous tree was selected for its early bright red new growth which becomes glossy dark green in summer. It becomes oval-upright with maturity, growing up to 50' tall and 30' wide. Quite varied in growth habit, young trees are usually conical with horizontally spreading limbs but eventually develop with picturesque irregular branching. Bark is deeply furrowed and blocky on older trees. Fall color is brilliant red in fall. Fruit is a dark blue drupe which many birds enjoy. Excellent shade tree, specimen, for street or natural area.