Life History and Disturbance Response of Nyssa sylvatica (blackgum)
Family: Nyssaceae
Guild: opportunistic, dispersal limited (large-seeded)
Functional Lifeform: medium-size deciduous tree
Ecological Role: found on a wide range of sites from stream bottoms to dry upper slopes; grows best on deep soils of lower slopes and coves; occupies intermediate crown positions in mixed-species forests; responds well to release
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 150/250
Shade Tolerance: tolerant
Height, m: 18-24
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: insects, wind
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 5/30/150
Mast Frequency, yrs: 3-5
New Cohorts Source: seeds or sprouts
Flowering Dates: late spring
Flowers/Cones Damaged by Frost: no
Seedfall Begins: early fall
Seed Banking: up to 1 yr
Cold Stratification Required: yes
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: drupe/ to 50 m/ gravity, birds
Season of Germination: spring
Seedling Rooting System: variable
Sprouting: stump sprouts and root suckers common
Establishment Seedbed Preferences:
Substrate: variable
Light: overstory shade
Moisture: moist required
Temperature: neutral
Disturbance response:
Fire: Black tupelo is well-adapted to periodic fire. Individual tupelo up to 10 cm d.b.h. are susceptible to topkill, but these trees sprout prolifically from the root crown and sometimes from root suckers. Larger trees have thick bark with high moisture content and are relatively resistant to fire. Fire-caused wounds can be entry points for heart rot fungi. Seedling establishment may occur from seeds of surviving trees onsite or from offsite seeds carried by birds and other animals. Repeated prescribed fires, particularly in the early growing season when leaves are fully expanded, can be useful for controlling tupelo where it is not desired.
Air pollution: Black tupelo is rated as tolerant to sulphur dioxide and ozone. Symptoms of foliar injury have been noted in some areas of high ambient ozone, but not in others.