Water tupelo is a native, large, long-lived deciduous tree in the tupelo family (Nyssaceae) inhabiting deep rivers or coastal swamps in the Southeastern United States that are usually flooded most of the year. It has a swollen base, large hanging fruit, and brittle twigs that distinguish it from the Blackgum. Water Tupelo has a long, straight trunk, narrow, open crown of spreading branches, and large, shiny leaves. In a forested stand, the trunk is often long, but somewhat crooked, above its buttressed base. It is very symmetrical and pyramid-shaped in its early years but develops an irregular form with age. It grows well in medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, acidic soils. It tolerates poorly-drained soils and can grow in standing water. A long taproot makes it difficult to transplant. It is rarely used in the home landscape. Often reaching heights of 100' with a trunk diameter of 3 to 4 feet, it is mostly dioecious and male plants are helpful to get a female fruit set. This plant has a beautiful yellow fall color and is heat-tolerant. This tree can be used along streams, ponds and bogs. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Fire is a major enemy of Water Tupelo. It scorches the thin bark, allowing the entrance of rot-causing fungi. The forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) is a serious enemy in some years and locations. Key to Nyssa
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Height: 60 ft. 0 in. - 100 ft. 0 in. | Width: 25 ft. 1 in. - 50 ft. 2 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
1 - Canopy (>40 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Open; Pyramidal; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Oblong; Obovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Smooth
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, 3-6 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Large, glossy, oblong to obovate, dark green leaves (4 to 8 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide) usually have smooth edges (but sometimes one or more large teeth) and usually are finely downy (but sometimes glabrous) underneath.
Fall color
Gold/Yellow
Flower color
Green; White
Flower form
Panicle
Flower detail
Greenish-white flowers (male in clusters and female solitary) bloom in spring (April-May). Male and female borne on separate trees, appearing as the leaves begin to unfold. Trees may not flower and fruit until reaching the age of 30 years.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Purple/Lavender
Fruit type
Drupe
Fruit size
1-3 inches long
Fruit detail
Dark purple, oblong fruit (drupes to 1 inch long) mature in fall (September-October). Tough skins with a thin layer of acid flesh over the seed.
Bark color
Dark Brown; Dark Gray
Bark detail
The bark is dark brown or dark grey. It is finely fissured up and down the trunk, thin and scaly.
Stem detail
Fruit grow on slender drooping stalks 3 to 4 inches long.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Central and southeastern United States
Distribution
Southeastern US flood plains, North Carolina
Wildlife value
Special Value to Honey Bees (tupelo honey is sold throughout the South).
Attracts
Bees; Pollinators; Small Mammals; Songbirds
Play value
Attracts Pollinators
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Fall
Fruit type
Drupe
Edibility
The fruit can be eaten raw, often used in preserves.
Uses (ethnobotany)
Wood is light, soft, close-grained but not strong. Often used for crates, broom handles, pulpwood, and floor veneers. The root is sometimes used for making floats.