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.
Habitat
Moist upland and bottomland forests of eastern North America
Diet
High-fat berries critical for migrating thrushes, waxwings, and woodpeckers
How common
Common
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 or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free