The Tupelo, Sour Gum, or Blackgum Tree is an American Native Tree.  It is a wetlands and wildlife tree that has fabulous fall color leaves well into November in zone 6. It is a medium to fast growing tree especially with regular fertilization.  It is a dioecious tree requiring both male and female of the species to fruit.  The small fruits mature to a dark blue and are attractive to birds and wildlife. This tree has spectacular scarlet fall color. The genus name comes from Nysa or Nyssa, one of the water nymphs. It is a great all around and hardy tree growing in zones 3 - 9, and handles wetlands and forested areas well.