Tupelo is a medium growing, deciduous tree with an upright, rather narrow pyramidal form, becoming more rounded in age. Grows about 30 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide. Dark green leaves turn orange to scarlet in the fall.
Grow in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Though it prefers moist, acidic soils, it tolerates some drought and adapts to some dryish soils. Long taproot precludes moving established trees. Female trees need a male pollinator to set fruit. Not commonly used in this region, as it has a preference for acidic soils.