Trees

Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire'

Wildfire black gum

Wildfire black gum fall foliage. Photo: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Wildfire adds color before autumn arrives: new leaves emerge bright red, then settle into glossy dark green. The foliage changes to bright red in fall. Dark, textured bark and a substantial mature outline make this a lasting shade-tree choice for a spacious landscape.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Size: Height: To about 60 ft · Width: About 25 ft
Water: Moist soil preferred
Hardiness: USDA zones 4–9

Sizes & prices

#5$124.99
#7$164.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental specimen
Growth rate: Species guidance: medium; cultivar and growing conditions may differ.
Form: Upright, pyramidal crown that broadens with age.
Fruit / litter: Male selection: no normal berry crop; autumn leaves still fall.
Major issues: Species guidance: leaf miners and scale can occur; leaf spots, cankers and rust are occasional concerns.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Parent-species guidance: Some browsing resistance; not deer-proof. Protect young plants.
Drought: Parent-species guidance: Tolerates some drought after establishment; water during prolonged dry spells.
Wet soil: Parent-species guidance: Occasional wetness tolerated; this does not imply permanent flooding tolerance.
Heat: Parent-species guidance: Heat tolerant with suitable soil moisture.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Bees
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Native range

Native range / parentage: Cultivar/selection of a species native to eastern North America to Mexico. Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.
Tristate native status: Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Red new growth; dark green summer; bright red fall color
Seed: Male selection; does not normally bear the female berry crop.

Growing & care

Soil: Moist, well-drained. Parent species tolerates occasional flooding; keep new plants watered during dry spells.
Pruning: Shape and structural pruning in winter

Sources & photo credits

Hickory Hollow Nursery

extension.okstate.edu

grantspassoregon.gov

Royal Horticultural Society

NC State Extension

Oregon State University

horticulture.mgcafe.uky.edu

Photo: David J. Stang · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Wildfire black gum fall foliage. Photo: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia 960 px thumbnail; no other edits.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.