Wildfire Black Tupelo

The Wildfire Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica ‘Wildfire’) is a medium- to large-sized, ornamental shade tree. The foliage of this tree has multiple seasons of interest. Its neat, pyramidal canopy is made up of pointed ovate leaves that emerge bright red in the spring, providing an excellent sight as a specimen but also can complement spring flower blooms very well. In the summer, they mature to a deep green with red hues and the new leaves often have red tips. The leaves later in autumn explode back to its original red in just a slightly darker shade of scarlet. After the leaves drop, its heavily textured brown-black bark is revealed and provides an interesting sight in the bleak landscape. 

The Wildfire Black Tupelo was introduced by Steve Hotevey of Beyond Green Nursery in Oregon. It is a great option as a shade tree in a park or yard for its attractive form, showy spring summer, and fall color, and its small fruits that attract different species of birds. Does well as a specimen standing on its own or planted with other finer shrubs or trees. It does best in full to partial sun and prefers moist soils. It can withstand very wet soils as long as they are well-drained.