Black Tupelo, or black gum, produces some of the most brilliant scarlet fall foliage of any North American tree, often changing color before most other species. It produces small blue-black berries that are among the highest-fat fruits available to migrating birds in early fall. Over 40 bird species consume the berries, and the flowers are an important early-season nectar source for honeybees.
Best time to see a Black Tupelo
The best time to see a Black Tupelo is April–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 16,522 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Black Tupelo? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Black Tupelo sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Black Tupelo? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Black Tupelo is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.