Tupelo Black Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) tree are grown entirely for their good autumn colourings. The glossy leaves, 5-15cm in length and retaining their high gloss as they turn gold, after which the outer leaves turn through orange to scarlet. It's then at its best, after which the whole crown is scarlet and dark red. A fine sight. Its bark is dark grey and flaky when young but becomes furrowed with age. It is a hardy specimen and whilst preferring moist fertile well drained soil it does have the ability to grow in standing water. It is of particular environmental value. Firstly growing black-blue ovoid fruit about 10mm long with thin, oily, bitter/sour tasting flesh being very popular with small birds, and secondly, producing flowers, which are in greenish-white clusters at the top of a long stalk, that produce nectar which attracts bees and other insects. The best specimens of the Tupelo Black Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) tree were planted in Sheffield Park in 1909 but many were lost in the gales of 1987.