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TOPIC: Nyssa sylvatica ID
http://groups.google.com/group/entstrees/browse_thread/thread/0cae03daa1abbf2a?hl=en
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Sat, Jan 26 2008 6:05 pm
From: Andrew Joslin


Hello ENTS,
Been a while since I posted to the list. I finally picked up a
clinometer and am getting ready to bust my piggy bank for a laser
rangefinder. Until then I'm relying on climbing to measure trees.

To the question at hand. I recently found a fine looking tree in the
Blue Hills Reservation in Quincy, Massachusetts that I believe is a
Nyssa sylvatica. If so it's the tallest Nyssa I've seen in eastern
Mass. It looks to be in the 60's maybe low 70's height-wise, not a
contender for state champ but a nice example of Black Gum.

Can you check the photos and confirm or dispute the ID? Thanks!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturejournal/sets/72157603798874314/ 

I'm going back to the tree on Sunday and will get a DBH and perhaps
climb it to get a better height estimate.

Andrew Joslin
Jamaica Plain, MA

[Species confirmed as Nyssa sylvatica - Black Gum]

== 2 of 4 ==
Date: Sat, Jan 26 2008 6:37 pm
From: Gary Smith


Yep, it has the bark and branching form.

Some time back, I was reading another section somewhere on this site
and was surprised by some of the age counts (500+ years, I think)
attributed to black gum. Guess it shouldn't be too surprising, though,
since Nyssa Aquatica can also reach substantial ages.