Black Tupelo Tree
Researched by Dylan Tony Resendiz
Species: Nyssa sylvatica
Common name: Black Tupelo, Blackgum, Sour Gum
Family: Nyssaceae (Dogwood Family)
Clade: Angiosperm (flowering seed plants)
Coordinates: 39.71157204, -75.12339375
A tag using this number is placed near the tree.
Welcome one, welcome all! Consider yourself lucky if you stumble upon Black Tupelo tree #1083, or as I like to call this tree, Tuppy. Though this tree is slightly isolated from the other black tupelo trees in the area, and located a few feet off the main path, getting closer is absolutely worth the view. This beautiful tree has one main root that supports four large trunks that twist around one another, similar to a DNA helix. While you soak in the beauty that is the black tupelo, now is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the biology!
The black tupelo tree, also known as the sour gum tree species, includes the oldest living non-clonal flowering plant in Eastern North America. The oldest living tupelo has existed since 1448, which is actually 44 years before Columbus made it to America! These living relics are known to live up to 500 years, and though they are slow growers compared to other trees, they can grow between 12” to 24” per year. The black tupelo can grow up to 100 feet tall but average around 70 feet. Something so tall definitely has a large underground root system to support it! Read More
Campus Species Map
Researcher’s Biography
Dylan Tony Resendiz
Biological Sciences (2022)
I’ve always been drawn to Biology and how the world of science is integrated into our daily life. As a Biology major, I have been able to allow my studies to be an outlet for my creativity and curiosity. I attended Rowan University, where I earned a B.S. in Biological Science in 2022. I highly valued my time at Rowan University and strongly encouraged all students to take advantage of the school’s opportunities.
I want to further my education at a later point in my life, but for now, I want to prioritize work experience and becoming an adult. Outside of my studies, I am heavily involved in community service opportunities. Some of my hobbies include travel, fashion photography, and, most importantly, networking. Finally, I plan to move out of my house and into a large city in the near future and pursue a career as a pharmaceutical sales representative.
Suggested Citation:
Resendiz, Dylan T. (2022, Dec). Black Tupelo. Rowan University Arboretum. https://arboretum.rowan.edu/trees/black-tupelo/
Questions to Explore
- How did Native Americas use the Black Tupelo tree?
- What is the evolutionary history of the Black Tupelo tree?
- What conditions are best for increased fruit growth?
- Do Black Tupelo trees resist pollution and pests well?
References
Black tupelo. Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. (n.d.). | Link
Black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica). Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) – Wisconsin DNR. (n.d.). | Link
Black tupelo. Minnesota Seasons – black tupelo. (n.d.). | Link
Black Tupelo Nyssa Sylvatica. Black Tupelo Tree on the Tree Guide at arborday.org. (n.d.). | Link
WSU Clark County Extension. Black Tupelo – Nyssa sylvatica – PNW Plants. (n.d.). | Link
Rowan University Resources
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Northward migration under a changing climate: a case study of blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica) | Link
Costs of reproduction in Nyssa sylvatica: sexual dimorphism is reproductive frequency and nutrient flux | Link