Nyssa sylvatica plant named ‘NSMTF’

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Black Tupelo tree named NSMTF substantially as herein shown, illustrated and described, characterized particularly as to novelty by its deep, dark, lustrous foliage in summer and brilliant red leaves in the fall while having pyramidal growth habit, and a strong central leader with full scaffolding branch structure. This form difference, along with unique foliage colors makes my selection uniquely different from all known patent selections and seedlings.

Claims

1. A new and distinct variety of Black Tupelo tree named NSMTF substantially as herein shown, illustrated and described, characterized particularly as to novelty by its deep, dark, lustrous foliage in summer and brilliant red leaves in the fall while having pyramidal growth habit, and a strong central leader with full scaffolding branch structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying photographs depict the color of the tree and foliage of my new black tupelo tree as nearly as is reasonably possible to make the same in a color illustration of this character.

(2) FIG. 1 taken in the production field of Walton County, Loganville, Ga. in October 2013 shows the claimed cultivar;

(3) FIG. 2 taken of a field block shows the progeny of my new variety;

(4) FIG. 3 shows the overall fall color of the claimed cultivar;

(5) FIG. 4 shows the summer foliage of my new variety;

(6) FIG. 5 shows the new growth foliate of my new variety;

(7) FIG. 6 shows the strong central leader and pyramidal growth habit of my new variety;

(8) FIG. 7 shows the trunk and bark of my new variety;

(9) FIG. 8 shows the side by side foliage comparison of the deep, dark green lustrous foliage of the seedling of the claimed cultivar compared to the lighter green of the seedling black tupelo tree.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Botanical Description of the Plant

(10) The following is a detailed description of NSMTF Black Tupelo tree with color terminology in accordance with The Royal Horticulture Society (R.H.S.) Colour Chart except where the context indicates a term having its ordinary dictionary meaning.

(11) The named cultivar has not been observed under all growing conditions, and variations may occur as a result of different growing conditions. All progeny of my new variety, insofar as have been observed by the inventor, have remained genetically stable in all characteristics described hereinafter. Other than as set out hereinafter, as of this time, no other characteristics have been observed by the inventor different from common Black Tupelo trees. Scientific name: Nyssa sylvatica NSMTF. Parentage: Naturally occurring cross-pollinated seedlings of unknown origin, black tupelo tree growing in a cultivated area in Washington, Ga. Propagation: Root description.The named cultivar is grafted onto seedling rootstocks, so the root system is expected to be typical of the species, which is somewhat coarse. Tree: Growth habit.Pyramidal with full scaffolding branch structure and a strong central leader. In a container or in the ground.In ground. Height.Approximately 30 foot at 5 years. Plant spread.Approximately 15 foot at 5 years. Growth rate.Height to width ratio 2-1. Average caliper growth rate between to 1 inch per year. Trunk diameter.Approximately 7 inch caliper measured at 12 inches above the ground at 5 years. Rises through the canopy and maintains a central leader. Trunk.Trunk bark texture: Ridged with furrowed characteristics. Trunk bark color: greyed-green like (RHS 188C). Leaves: Arrangement.Alternate. Type.Simple. Sheen.Satiny to slightly glossy. Shape of leaf blade.Ovate. Leaf apex shape.Acuminate. Leaf base shape.Cuneate. Leaf margin characteristics.Entire. Description of any leaf pubescence.None. Leaf length.7.5 cm to 10 cm. Leaf width.2.5 cm to 4 cm. Leaf internode length.About 3.2 cm. Leaf venation description.Pinnate. Petiole length.1 cm to 2.5 cm. Petiole diameter.2.9 mm. Petiole color.Green like (RHS 145A). Overall shape.Ovate. Margin.Smooth. Tip.Acuminate. Base.Cuneate. Spring leaf color.First emerging leaves are yellow green like (RHS N144B). Summer leaf color.Upper leaf surface is a deep, dark green lustrous foliage like (RHS 131A) while the lower leaf surface is greyed-green like (RHS 138B). The center vein is yellow green like (RHS 146C). Fall color.Fall color red like (RHS 42A to RHS 43A to RHS 44A). Pubescence.Glabrous. Flowers: Overall.The tree is dioecious and has only male flowers. About ten to twelve small flowers are borne in head-like, globose racemes. These globose racemes average 16 mm in diameter. Shape.Individually, each flower is a very small whorl of stamens. Size.Individual flowers have an average diameter of 8 mm. Color.Yellow-green like (RHS 145A to RHS 145B. Petals.None observed. Sepals.About eight sepals arranged in a single whorl. Length: About 1 mm. Width: About 0.5 mm. Shape: Ovate. Apex: Acute; reflexing. Margin: Entire. Texture, upper and lower surfaces: Smooth, glabrous. Color: yellow-green like (RHS 145A) to (RHS 145B). Stamen.About eight to ten per flowers. Filament length: About 2 mm to 3 mm by 0.5 mm in diameter. Filament color is yellow-green like (RHS 154B). Anthers.Broadly oval but slightly irregular in shape, 1.0 mm long by 0.7 mm to 0.9 mm in diameter. Color is yellow-green like (RHS 154B). Pollen.Yellow like (RHS 10B). Pedicel.Length 4 mm to 5 mm; diameter 0.5 mm; color yellow-green like (RHS 144B). Peduncle.1 cm to 2 cm long by 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm diameter. Fragrance.None. Flowering season.Flowering in early to mid-April. Flower longevity on plant.Individual flowers last about ten days to two weeks on the plant; flowers not persistent. Buds: Terminal flower buds.Length: about 5.9 mm. Diameter: about 4.1 mm. Color: Brown like (RHS 200A). Texture: Smooth, glabrous. Lateral flower bud.Length: About 4.4 mm. Diameter: about 2.9 mm. Color: Brown like (RHS 200A). Texture: Smooth, glabrous. Fruit: Subglobose to ellipsoid, medium green like (RHS 138B) 3 cm long and 2 cm wide, cone-like aggregate with separate pointed carpels, each with two dark red seeds like (RHS 44B).

OTHER CHARACTERISICS

(12) Pathogen and pest resistance: Trees of the new Nyssa have been not observed to be resistant to pathogens and pests common to Nyssa trees. Temperature tolerance: Trees of the new Nyssa have been observed to tolerate high temperatures about 40.5 C. and low temperatures about 18.9 C. when grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 6. The new variety is suitable for growing in USDA zones 4 through 9.