Nyssa sylvatica – Black tupelo

Black tupelo has alternate, single-lobed leaves that turn bright red in the fall. The branches come off the tree at a 90 degree angle. The tree produces small, white-green flowers in the spring which become green berries in the summer. The berries ripen to dark blue in the fall.

The berries have 1 large seed inside. They have a sweet and sour plum-like taste. The flavor varies from tree to tree. Berries can be enjoyed raw or used in jams, sauces, or drinks.

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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.