WoodSwatch · The Wood Ledger
Black Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica
Also known as: Black Gum, Sour Gum, Tupelo, Pepperidge
Technical Spec Sheet
2026-07-14
Reference grain swatch
- Janka Hardness
- 950 lbf (4,226 N)
- Avg. Dried Weight
- 610 kg/m³ (38 lb/ft³)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.56
- Type
- Hardwood
- Grain
- Interlocked, irregular; can have striking figure
- Texture
- Fine to medium
- Durability
- Moderately durable; heartwood resistant to decay
- Region
- North America
- Sustainability
- Sustainable — Sustainable - common in eastern North American forests
Overview
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.
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
Good with proper preparation
Finishing
Excellent - takes stain and finish well
Steam Bending
Poor - interlocked grain
Scent
Mild, not distinctive when worked
Assessment
Strengths
- Striking figure when quartersawn
- Good for turnery
- Takes finish well
- Resistant to wear
Weaknesses
- Interlocked grain causes tearout
- Can be difficult to plane
- Variable figure
Common Uses
Turnery · Veneer · Pulp · Boxes · Flooring · Tool handles · Gunstocks