Wildfire Black Gum (Tupelo)

Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire'
Mature Height: 40 to 45 ft.
Mature Spread: 25 to 30 ft.

Out of stock
Regular price $69.99
Regular price Sale $79.99 Sale price $69.99
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Shipping Starts: March 1, 2025
Pickup Starts: March 1, 2025
Ships in a moisture-lock bag or pickup locally
Shipping in a moisture-lock bag is free.
Does not Ship to CA, WA, OR, AZ.
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The Wildfire Black Gum or Tupelo tree is a personal favorite shade tree. That's why I have one shading the southwest side of my home from the sun. But really, what's not to love? These nativars are hardy, easy to care for, maintain a consistent shape and provide stunning multi-season fire-red foliage. In the spring the first leaves of this tree emerge a brilliant fire-wagon red, which are beautiful on their own, but can providing a stunning backdrop for other specimen trees like dogwoods or redbuds. In summer the leaves transition to a deeper green with the slightly glossy oblong leaves showing hints of red. The bark of a younger tree is smooth almost like a cherry and gets rougher with age. In fall, The black gum often holds out a little later for its show, but when transitions you can't mistake it. Leaves change from green/orange quickly to red with mottled darker red splotches that make it deeper in color, but simultaneously more brilliant than many of the maple cultivars.

When caring for these trees we recommend maintaining the usual mulch ring to protect the tree from elements, competing plants, and yard equipment for the first few years. The roots of a black gum tree should not be kept wet, but the tree appreciates a deeper more prolonged watering regiment than other shade trees and it can tolerate soil that gets well soaked, but doesn't stay wet. Slow release fertilizer can be applied (per directions on the bag) in the early fall to give the tree a boost that will carry through to spring. See our care tab below for more details.

Bloom Color:Insignificant
Bloom Period:Late spring
Fall Color:Fire-wagon red with mottled darker red splotches
Foliage Color:Bright green in early spring darkening with summer
Genus & Species:Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire'
Growth Rate:Moderate to fast
Mature Height:40 to 45 ft.
Mature Spread:25 to 30 ft.
Soil Type:Likes soils that get consistently wet, but don't stay permanently wet. Will do well in well drained soil that is high in organic matter
Sun Exposure:Full sun
Zone:5 to 9

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
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T
Tony gudex

Wildfire Black Gum (Tupelo)

A
Ashley

It's alive! Growing, and doing good... fast delivery. Would recommend!

S
Sam
Wildfire Tupelo Gum tree

We are most satisfied with our tree thus far. It came even quicker than we anticipated during this Covid crisis. We got it planted the next day--had one night where temp dipped to low 30's so we covered it with a sheet. Seems to be growing well, and we've had rain almost daily so we only had to water a few times so far. I've already recommended New Blooms to a friend!

L
Lisa
Wonderful specimen

The ordering process was easy and directions for planting were clear. The USPS tracking was not the best as it only updated the day of product receipt. However in the interim, the vendor was very responsive and assured me the delayed tracking updates were not unexpected. The tree arrived in great shape. I planted it the same day as it arrived so I’m just waiting to see how it fares through the summer.

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Sherri Marshall
Tupelo Black Gum

Trees looked great, can’t wait to see them bud out next spring!!