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.
Spotted a Black Tupelo?
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