While they can grow to quite large sizes, a diameter of 2 to 3 feet and 60 to 80 feet in height is more normal. Crown shape is conical. While black tupelo is moderately tolerant of shade, the swamp and water tupelos are intolerant. Leaves are ovate and come to a pronounced point. They are dark green turning to deep red in fall.
Fruits are drupes that are bluish when ripe.
They are favorites of birds and rarely noticed by humans. Landscape use of these trees is limited by the difficulty of transplanting due to a pronounced tap root. The tree simply doesn't like to be disturbed. In the wild the black tupelo is usually a minor component of forest stands. Slow growth doom it to intermediate and understory positions where it gradually surcombs.