Tall tree est 20 dbh Can you help me narrow it down.

[terrifictimbersllc]

Probably 70' tall 20" dbh light gray sort of scaly bark at least 35' to first branches. Can you help me narrow it down. Connecticut yard with lots of other tall trees.  

 

 

[terrifictimbersllc]

Tupelo-Blackgum?

[kantuckid]

I'd go with blackgum- not so much the Tupelo in CT???

[WDH]

Yes.  Blackgum.

[terrifictimbersllc]

Nyssa sylvatica-isn't this also called Tupelo?

[WDH]

Water Tupelo, Nyssa aquatica, is very similar but has larger leaves and tends to grow in wet areas.  It is only found in the Deep South.  Blackgum, also called Black Tupelo,  grows on many sites, from the bottomlands to the uplands, and is native to most of the Eastern US. It is often referred to as "Tupelo Gum".  

[caveman]

One of the keys to identifying them are the two leaves at the terminal bud.  

[WDH]

Pith is diaphrammed.  Fruit is a small blue/black drupe. 

[mike_belben]

Its a prolific seeder that is very shade tolerant and will easily take over an understory.  If some high grader opens up some light, poof.. You get a gum forest.  Usually in conjunction with red maple for me.  I struggle to keep these two in check so the oaks can have a chance.