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Summary

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Oval, Pyramidal.

Physical Characteristics

Nyssa sylvatica is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

N. multiflora. N. villosa.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked. A thin sharply acid pulp that is pleasant to roll in the mouth as a masticatory[183], it is also used in preserves[177, 183]. Pleasantly acidulous[2]. The fruit is up to 15mm in diameter and is borne in small clusters of 2 - 3[82, 200].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Emetic Ophthalmic Vermifuge

The bark is emetic, ophthalmic and vermifuge[257]. An infusion has been used as a bath and also given to children with worms[257]. A strong decoction is used to cause vomiting when unable to retain food[257]. A strong ooze from the roots is used as eye drops[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood

Wood - tough, not durable, soft, heavy, hard to work and warps easily. It has an intricately contorted and twisted grain[82]. It weighs 40lb per cubic foot and is used for making boxes, soles of shoes, wooden pipes, wheel hubs, veneer etc[43, 46, 61, 82, 171, 227, 235].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Firewood, Pest tolerant, Aggressive surface roots possible, Specimen. Although this is a plant of swamps and other wet soils in the wild, once established it can succeed in Britain when growing in an ordinary good loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[11, 200]. It prefers a neutral to alkaline soil according to one report[200], whilst another says that it requires a lime-free soil[98]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and growing in maritime regions[200]. A very ornamental tree[1], it has a moderate rate of growth and moderate longevity[229]. Resents root disturbance, it is difficult to transplant except when young[11]. The tree does not come into leaf until late May. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Special Features:Attracts birds, North American native, Wetlands plant, Attracts butterflies, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

The seed can be sown in late winter in a cold frame[78] but would probably benefit from an earlier sowing if the seed can be obtained any sooner. Three months stratification at 5°c improves germination[200]. Germination rates are variable[78]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Layering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Nyssa aquatica	Water Tupelo	Tree	30.0	6-9	M	LMH	SN	MWeWa	2	0	2
Nyssa ogeche	Ogeechee Lime, Ogeechee tupelo	Tree	15.0	0-0		LMH	SN	MWe	2	0	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Expert comment

Author

Marshall.

Botanical References

1143200

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Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Nyssa sylvatica - Marshall.