Highland Tupelo (Black Tupelo / Black Gum / Tupelo Honey Tree)
Brilliant Fall Color • Wildlife Friendly • Native & Hardy
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
Shipping Update:
🌳 Shipping resumes in September due to hot summer temperatures. Reserve your tree now before inventory sells out! Orders placed today will be carefully shipped in September for safer planting and improved transplant success during cooler weather. Local pickup is available.
The Highland Tupelo, also known as Blackgum or Sour Gum, is one of the most spectacular native shade trees for year-round beauty and exceptional fall color. Famous for its glossy green foliage that transforms into breathtaking shades of scarlet red, fiery orange, deep purple, and gold, this native tree creates a stunning seasonal display few trees can match.
With a naturally attractive form, strong central trunk, and excellent wildlife value, Highland Tupelo is perfect for residential landscapes, native gardens, parks, pollinator habitats, and restoration projects. It is also known as the “Tupelo Honey Tree,” valued by beekeepers for its nectar-rich flowers that help produce prized tupelo honey.
Why You'll Love Highland Tupelo
✔ Incredible Fall Color – Brilliant red, orange, and purple foliage creates a showstopping autumn display.
✔ Wildlife Friendly – Provides food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and beneficial wildlife.
✔ Strong & Long-Lived – Hardy native tree with excellent structure and durability.
✔ Adaptable & Low Maintenance – Thrives in a variety of soil types and landscape settings.
✔ Pollinator Support – Spring flowers provide nectar for bees, including tupelo honey production.
Mature Size
Height: 30–50+ feet tall
Spread: 20–30 feet wide
Sunlight Requirements
Grows best in full sun to partial shade. More sunlight encourages denser growth and the richest fall color.
Soil Requirements
Adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy soils, but performs best in slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil. Avoid highly alkaline soils.
Watering
Water deeply and consistently during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, Highland Tupelo becomes moderately drought tolerant while still appreciating occasional deep watering during dry periods.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10 or 14-14-14) in early spring during the first few years. Mature trees typically require little supplemental feeding.
Pruning & Care
Minimal maintenance required. Light shaping while young encourages strong structure. Prune in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
The Highland Tupelo is an outstanding choice for anyone wanting a native, wildlife-friendly shade tree with unforgettable fall color and long-term beauty. Whether planted in a formal landscape or natural setting, this resilient tree becomes more beautiful with every season.
Limited Quantity Available – Reserve Yours Today for September Shipping!
