I’ve long wanted to plant Nyssa sylvatica as a shade tree. I finally found one in 2013 in a 15 gallon container and planted it. It developed a split leader at the top and was growing very awkwardly and I was considering removing it. Luckily, while hunting a replacement, I discovered Nyssa sinensis, an Asian version which is smaller and perhaps even more beautiful. It took me two years to find a specimen and I planted it out in 2017 after removing the unlovely Nyssa sylvatica. The Nyssa sinensis was no beauty either as it had sat neglected at a wholesale nursery for longer than it should have, but with some judicious pruning to sort out the leader and a little training it has turned into a beautiful tree.

It took a long time to find a specimen so meanwhile I bought a couple of seedlings from Forest Nursery in Oregon. One is still in a container and has the most beautiful spring foliage. I thought I’d show it off.

Of course the fall foliage is the real show and it doesn’t disappoint in the least, showing off many colors but especially a bright red.