The leaves of Nyssa sylvatica are simple, alternate and entire margined. They are thick and tough, glossy above and often range from 2 to 4 inches in length. The fruit is bluish and juicy, approximately one cm in diameter.

Nysssa sylvatica is widely distributed in the southeastern U.S. from Florida and Texas north through Missouri and Illinois to Michigan and east to the Atlantic coast. In Wisconsin it has been reported only from the extreme southeastern portion of the state in Kenosha County. It is also occasionally cultivated.