Nyssa aquatica (Water Tupelo)

Slow-growing and long-lived, Nyssa aquatica (Water Tupelo) is a large aquatic tree with a swollen base that tapers to a long, clear bole and a narrow, open crown of spreading branches. Its ovate leaves, 4-8 in. long (10-20 cm), are shiny dark green above and paler and pubescent underneath. They turn yellow in the fall. Flared at the base, its trunk develops knobby growths when grown in waterlogged soils. The dark brown or dark gray bark splits into finely scaled ridges. Water Tupelo is dioecious, with separate male and female trees. In spring, it produces greenish-white flowers in clusters (male flowers) and solitary (female flowers). While not showy, they are a rich source of nectar for bees. Water Tupelo is a favored honey tree. The blossoms are followed by oblong dark purple fruits with conspicuous pale dots. Wood ducks, several other types of birds, and by squirrels, raccoons, and deer consume the fruits. Water Tupelo occurs naturally in the bottomlands, floodplains, and swamps of southern Virginia, south to northwest Florida, west to southeastern Texas, and north through the Mississippi River Valley. Since it is one of the few species that can survive extended periods of inundation, it is favored for planting in very wet sites. A great tree to plant on the edge of a lake or pond in backyards or parks.

• Grows up to 50-80 ft. tall (15-24 m) and 20-50 ft. wide (6-15 m).
• Performs best in full sun or light shade in acidic, moist to wet soils. Tolerates poorly-drained soils and can grow in standing water.
• Virtually pest and disease-free.
• Propagate by seed. Sow fresh or stratified seed in moist, muddy soil covered by one inch of firm soil. Seedlings benefit from partial shade.
• Water Tupelo grows throughout the Coastal Plain from southeastern Virginia to southern Georgia, and from northwestern Florida along the Gulf of Mexico to southeastern Texas. It extends up the Mississippi River Valley as far north as the southern tip of Illinois.