The tupelo /ˈtuːpɨloʊ/, black gum, or pepperidge tree, genus Nyssa /ˈnɪsə/, is a small genus of trees with alternate, simple leaves. It is usually included in the subfamily Nyssoideae of the dogwood family, Cornaceae, but is placed by some authorities in the family Nyssaceae.Most Nyssa species are highly tolerant of wet soils and flooding, and some need such environments as habitat.