Twin Cities Wildfire Tree

Plant of the Week: Nyssa sylvatica “Wildfire”.

Black Tupelo is a medium-sized shade tree that is hardy in the Twin Cities but underutilized. Similar in size and habit to Acer miyabei “State Street” or Parrotia persica, it has shiny leaves that resemble an ornamental pear and turn brilliant scarlet in autumn. Insignificant green flowers in spring give rise to bluish berries when both male and female specimens are present; if fruit is not desired, plant just one specimen. Can easily be thinned for increased opacity.