This deciduous moisture loving tree has a stout trunk with radiating horizontal branches that droop at the ends and forms a conical to rounded crown. It has glossy green leaves that turn yellow-red during autumn and the green flowers appear in a cluster during spring.

Hardiness zones 3 to 10

Nyssa sylvatica is naturally found in eastern North America growing in woodlands in very moist but acid soil (pH 5-6) that is organic rich and well drained but tolerates poor drainage. It prefers a open sunny position and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

Sour Gum is grown for its autumn foliage colour and its growth habit. It is planted in parks and large gardens as a lawn specimen for summer shade or used for riverbank binding. It is useful in wet positions if left undisturbed. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. Plant out when young during late autumn and mulch and keep moist during establishment. ID 349

Nyssa (Ni-sa) sylvatica (sil-VĂ-ti-ka) 

'Nyssa': a water nymph in Greek mythology (refers to its preference for moist soils); 'sylvatica': of the forest.

Nyssaceae (ny-SAY-see-ee)