Nyssa sylvatica Nyssa—the scientific name of the tree—refers to the Greek water fairy, while the specific epithet sylvatica translates to “of the woods.” It’s said the tree was derived from Greek to mean “tree of the swamp.” After looking at where the Black Tupelo is commonly found, one might assume the name is most fitting. You may be familiar with one of the numerous other names the tree goes by, including gum tree, sour gum, bowl gum, yellow gum and…
