Nyssa sylvatica
Blackgum, Black Tupelo, Pepperidge

Mature Height: 60-125'     Longevity: 600 years

2-8 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

5-9 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
2: "Low-High" drought tolerance. Most references indicate ability to survive on moderately dry upland sites.

8: "Low" flood tolerance. While some references indicate presence in swamps some of those may be lumping in occurrence of closely related swamp tupelo (var. biflora). Trend of reports that tree tolerates brief flooding and prefers better drained sites. Hydric rating of FAC. Tree is borderline 7/8.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z5. (SOUTH) Solid Z9.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: Same as NAS.

4   Sun Strength

7   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
3.7 = Slow to Moderate
0 = Climax Capable
-.4 = 1 Major
+.2 = Some
0 = No
0 = 70'
0 = 125'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
7 = Tolerant
+.3 = Climax Capable
-.4 = 1 Major
+.2 = Some
0 = No
0 = 70'
+.3 = 500 years

TOTAL SCORE (3.5): Slow to moderate growth rate. Not typically a pioneer.

TOTAL SCORE (7.4): Occurrence within only one soil order hurts score

4   Fire Strength

3   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: Mid (Big Tree) = 4
Tree is well suited for fire. Literature does not indicate tree is one of the fire elite so a rating of 4 seems fitting.
Final Value = 4

DEFENSE
Base Score: ???
While there is little information on this tree's wind strength, typically hollow trunk and low rating in Knowing Your Trees lead to assignment of a lower (Big Tree) wind value. Univ. Florida identifies wood as resistant to breaking & relatively free of disease & pests. Long lifespan indicates surviveability. Will assign low to moderate big tree rating.
Final Value = 3