Nyssa

This group of deciduous trees is native to North America and Asia. These trees are valued for their pretty leaves, which turn to gorgeous shades of red and orange in the fall, and for the fact that they can be grown in swampy ground where most other trees can not survive. N. sylvatica, commonly known as the Pepperidge Tree, Sour or Black Gum and Tupelo, is a native of eastern North America. The Pepperidge grows from 30 to 50 feet high and has interesting horizontal branches, which dip down slightly at the ends. The branches are covered with obovate or elliptical leaves that are 3 to 6 inches long and half as wide. In early summer, they bear small, greenish-yellow male and female flowers on separate trees. If trees of both sexes are grown near each other, the female flowers will be followed by bunches of 1/2-inch, egg-shaped, bluish-black berries.

Pot Cultivation

They grow best in full sun, in moist, acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5), but can live in light shade and regular garden soil. Plenty of water is required during dry periods. Pepperidges are hard to establish, therefore, purchase them balled and burlapped and plant in early spring. Pruning, which is hardly needed, should be done in the fall. This consists of removing the lower branches as the trees grow in height and maintaining a clear trunk on young trees.

Propagation

Seeds should be sown as soon as they are ripe, in sandy soil in a cold frame. Special varieties should be increased by grafting them on seedling trees of N. sylvatica. They may also be layered.