The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Wilton Weeper black tupelo, Wilton Weeper sourgum, Wilton Weeper blackgum

Family: Nyssaceae (tupelo family)

Distribution: Species native to e. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: This deciduous tree is a semi-weeping cultivar of an excellent ornamental native tree. Found in Wilton, CT, it grows somewhat smaller than the species, perhaps up to 30' tall and wide. Bark is deeply furrowed and blocky on older trees. Lustrous green summer foliage turns yellow, orange, red or scarlet-purple in fall. Fruit is a dark blue drupe which many birds enjoy. Excellent specimen or accent in the garden.