Origin
Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy, commonly known as Bear Swamp Gum or Black Gum, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. It can be found from Maine all the way to Florida and west to eastern Texas.
Common Names
Bear Swamp Gum and Black Gum are the two primary common names for this plant. Black Tupelo is an alternative name that is occasionally used to describe the same species.
Uses
The fruits of Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy are an important source of food for many animals, including many bird species, deer, and black bears. The wood of this tree is also prized for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for furniture, flooring, and veneer. The tree is also commonly planted as an ornamental tree due to its striking foliage and colorful fall leaves.
General Appearance
This medium-sized tree can grow up to 80 feet tall, with a trunk that typically measures around two feet in diameter. The bark is a dark, almost black color with deep ridges and furrows. The leaves are simple and alternate, and are typically oval or oblong in shape with a glossy green surface. In the fall, the leaves turn a brilliant reddish-purple. The flowers of the Black Gum are small and inconspicuous, and typically bloom in the late spring or early summer. The fruit of the tree is a small, dark blue drupe that serves as a valuable food source for many species of wildlife.
Light Requirements:
Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy grows well in partial to full sun environments. However, it can tolerate partial shade if necessary. It is best to avoid planting where it will not receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day because the plant may become leggy and spindly.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant does well in USDA zones 6-9. It is important to note that Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy prefers warm temperatures but can tolerate occasional cold snaps. It is best to keep the plant in temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements:
The plant prefers moist, acidic soils with a pH range of 4.0 to 6.5. It also does well in sandy, well-draining soils but it is essential to maintain adequate moisture levels. You can add organic matter to the soil to help it retain moisture. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils.
Cultivation Method for Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy
The cultivation of Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy is similar to other species of the Nyssa genus. This plant grows well in the wild, but it can also thrive in a garden setting. To cultivate this plant, you need to follow these steps:
- Choose a location that receives ample sunlight, but also provides some shade during hot summer days.
- The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
- Prepare the soil by tilling it and adding compost or manure.
- Plant the sapling in the soil at a depth that matches the transplant's container level.
- Water the newly planted Nyssa sylvatica regularly and provide shade for the first few days.
Watering Needs for Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy
Nyssa sylvatica requires moderate watering throughout the growing season, but especially during drought or heatwaves. Below mentioned steps should be followed while watering:
- The plant requires one inch of water per week
- Water the plant deeply at least once a week, so the water reaches the roots.
- Check the moisture levels of the soil weekly to avoid waterlogging.
- Water more frequently during hot or dry periods.
Fertilization Needs for Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy
Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy grows well with less fertilizer, below are some general guideless:
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can harm the plant.
- Do not fertilize during the dormant season.
- Use a balanced fertilizer in the early spring when new growth appears.
- Spread the fertilizer on the soil around the plant, avoiding the stem.
- Water the fertilizer to prevent root burn.
Pruning Needs for Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy
Pruning is necessary to keep the plant healthy and productive. Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy may require occasional pruning to control its growth, as outlined below:
- Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
- Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
- Prune the plant to control its size according to the garden's requirements.
- Use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy
Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy, also known as the Bear Swamp blackgum, is a deciduous tree species that is native to North America. The propagation of this plant is primarily conducted through seed germination and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a commonly used method for the propagation of Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina. The matured seeds from the tree are collected during the fall season when they have ripened fully. After collecting the seeds, they should be sowed soon after because the seeds tend to lose viability quickly after they are collected. It is recommended to store the seeds in a cool, dry place before sowing them. To prepare the seeds for planting, they need to be scarified, which means that the hard outer seed coat needs to be scratched, and the seeds need to be stratified before sowing. Stratification can be done by placing the seeds in moist soil or sand in a refrigerator for two to three months. After the stratification process is completed, the seeds are sown in a well-draining soil mixture. The seedlings will then emerge within a few weeks after sowing.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina, and this can be achieved through stem cuttings or layering. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature trees during the dormant season and should be at least four to six inches long. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. Rooting usually takes place after a few weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted outside in the spring. Layering, on the other hand, is done by bending the lower branches of a mature tree and placing a section of the branch in a shallow trench. The branch should be covered with a mixture of soil and compost while still attached to the parent plant. The layered branch will eventually form roots in the soil mixture, and the new plant can be detached from the parent plant and planted elsewhere.
Disease and Pest Management for Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy
Even though Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy is a hardy tree species, it is still vulnerable to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common problems and suggestions for managing them:
Diseases
Leaf spots: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves, which can eventually turn yellow and fall off. To prevent this disease, water the plant at the base instead of on the leaves and avoid planting in excessively moist soil. Fungicides can help control the infected leaves, but it's best to prune away severely infected areas.
Canker: This disease is caused by fungi and bacteria that can enter pruning wounds or damaged bark. It can cause branch dieback and tree decline. The best way to prevent cankers is by regular pruning and maintenance, and avoiding mechanical damage to the bark. Infected branches should be pruned at least 6 inches below the infected area.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease creates a white powdery coating on leaves and other plant parts. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering, keeping the surrounding area clean, and removing severely infected plant parts. Fungicides can be used if necessary.
Pests
Scale insects: These pests can suck the sap from the tree, causing yellow leaves and stunted growth. They can be treated with insecticidal soap sprays or neem oil. Removing severely infected branches is also an option.
Leafminers: These pests tunnel within the leaves and can cause premature leaf drop. If the damage is minimal, the tree can tolerate the infestation. Otherwise, insecticides may help control the population.
Borers: These pests bore into the trunk or branches of the tree and can cause branch dieback or tree decline. The best preventative measure is maintaining the health and vigor of the tree. Insecticides can be used if necessary.
Regular maintenance, good cultural practices, and prompt management of diseases and pests can help protect Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. var. ursina (Small) Wen & Stuessy from damage and keep it healthy and thriving.
