Wood Species Guide
Black Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica (swamp tupelo is often treated as N. sylvatica var. biflora)
Also called: Black Gum, Blackgum, Sour Gum, Pepperidge, Tupelo
About the name “Black Tupelo”
Black tupelo is a different tree from water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), the swamp tree on our Water Tupelo page, though the lumber is similar and both are sold as tupelo. "Black gum" has nothing to do with sweetgum or eucalyptus gums.
What Black Tupelo looks like
Pale grayish white to light tan sapwood makes up most of the wood, with a small grayish-brown heartwood. The color is plain and even.
Grain and texture
Interlocked grain with a fine, uniform texture. The interlocking makes it very hard to split.
Working Black Tupelo: planing, cutting and gluing
The interlocked grain tears out easily when planing and makes it nearly impossible to split, which is why it was used for mallets and wagon hubs. It tends to warp while drying. It glues and nails well and carves cleanly across the grain.
Finishing Black Tupelo: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes stain and paint evenly. The fine, closed grain seals easily for epoxy work. Expect some fuzz on the surface after the first coat; sand lightly between coats.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Not durable and susceptible to insects. Movement is high, and boards warp if dried carelessly. In Florida, dry it slowly under weight and keep finished pieces indoors.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Black gum is common in north and central Florida woods and is known for its brilliant red fall color. The lumber is plain and stubborn to dry, but the twisted grain makes great mallet heads, chopping blocks and carving stock. If you have a tree coming down, saw it thick and weight the stack. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Black Tupelo
Pallets and crates, mallets and chopping blocks, carving, veneer and plywood, and utility furniture parts.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Rated Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Safety and toxicity
- No common reactions reported
Few reports. Nothing beyond ordinary wood dust irritation is documented.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
No specific reactions have been reported beyond the normal effects of wood dust. Use dust collection and a mask when sanding.
Black Tupelo in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Black Tupelo listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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