Black Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica
Black Tupelo is a North American hardwood prized for its interlocked grain that produces striking figure when quartersawn. Despite being difficult to work with flat tools, it excels in turnery and has been used for veneer, flooring, and specialty items.
Botanical Profile
Nyssa sylvatica is a medium to large deciduous tree native to eastern North America, typically reaching 20-30 meters. It grows in wet bottomlands and uplands. The tree has simple alternate leaves and produces small blue-black fruits. Fall foliage is brilliantly red.
Physical Properties
Heartwood is light gray to light brown, often with irregular darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow to gray. Density averages 610 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 950 lbf. Fine to medium texture with interlocked, irregular grain. Quartersawn material shows distinctive figure.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Moderate - interlocked grain dulls tools
Gluing Advice
Good with proper preparation
Finishing
Excellent - takes stain and finish well
Steam Bending
Poor - interlocked grain
Historical Context
Black Tupelo has been used for pulp, veneer, and turnery. The interlocked grain made it challenging for traditional joinery but valuable for decorative veneer. It remains important in the southeastern U.S. timber industry.
Technical Specs
Sustainable - common in eastern North American forests