Water Tupelo

Nyssa aquatica

The Water Tupelo is a special tree that loves to grow in wet places like swamps. It has big, green leaves and can grow very tall, providing homes for many animals.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Water Tupelo is a tall, straight tree often seen growing directly in water with a noticeably swollen, buttressed base. Its glossy green leaves turn attractive shades of yellow and red in fall, and it produces small, dark purple, olive-like fruits.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCornalesFamilyNyssaceaeGenusNyssa

Water Tupelo

Interesting facts

Honey made from tupelo flowers is famous for being delicious and very clear.

It can grow in water up to 2 meters deep for months without drowning!

Its wood is so light it's sometimes called 'liquid balsa wood'!

The Water Tupelo's fruits are called 'swamp limes' because they taste super tart!

Special abilities

Water Tupelo has specialized roots that can absorb oxygen even when submerged, helping it thrive in flooded swamps.

It has a unique swollen base that helps anchor the tree firmly in soft, muddy wetland soils.

It has spongy, air-filled tissue in its trunk, helping it survive long periods in deep water.

Measurements & details

Height: 15-30 m
Canopy Spread: 9-15 m
Edible: Yes
Trunk Diameter: 90-150 cm
Lifespan: 100-600 years
Fruit Type: Drupe
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

visits its small flowers for nectar.

eaten by

American black bear

Ursus americanus

enjoys the tart fruits in late summer.

eaten by

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

eats fallen fruit floating on water.

shelters

Warmouth

Lepomis gulosus

hides among its submerged roots.

Traits

Deciduous

Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.

Spring Blooming

Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.

Broadleaf Tree

Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.

Fragrant Flower

Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Timber

Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.

Longevous

This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.