Water tupelo or Nyssa aquatica is a wetland tree living mostly along the coastal plain from Texas to Virginia. USDAFS Silvics of North America - Leaves oblong-ovate or elliptic, acute or acuminate at the apex, 4 to 7 in. The water tupelo is a large tree, often more than 100 feet in height, 3-4 feet in diameter. In such situations the trunk becomes remarkably swollen at the base. It is sometimes included in the subfamily Nyssoideae of the dogwood family, Cornaceae, but is placed by other authorities in the family Nyssaceae. Leaves sometimes have a few large teeth, which can make them look a bit like those of the related Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) of swamp forests in the Coastal Plain. As the tree grows to 10 and 15-years-old, crown form becomes more uniform among trees. Wetland Status. This long-lived tree has a swollen base that tapers to a long, slender, clear bole. It is remarkable for its red fruits, which are pleasantly flavoured and have been used as a substitute for limes – hence the popular name ‘ogeechee lime’. Fruits ellipsoid, about 1 in. N. candicans Michx. The dark green glossy summer foliage takes center stage in fall when the leaves turn bright scarlet. - blackgum For copyright and licence information, see the Licence page. Species Epithet: aquatica. Form: Large tree to 100 feet, several feet in diameter, clear trunk which is typically swolen at base, roots often grow out of soil. This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm's Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research. sylvatica grows on moist sites; var. Basal areas usually range from 90 to 110 square feet per acre, but can be difficult to judge because of … There are currently no active references in this article. Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica): Nyssa sylvatica is a beautiful shade tree native in all but the coldest parts of the eastern United States. Nyssa sylvatica: Blackgum 4 Black tupelo is rarely attacked by pests, and when it is they are rarely serious enough to warrant control. It has a swollen base, large hanging fruit, and brittle twigs that distinguish it from the Blackgum. A site produced by the International Dendrology Society. sylvatica grows on moist sites; var. ; N. grandidentata Michx. Mitchell, Alan. Nyssa sylvatica, Black Tupelo leaves and unripe fruits (Photo By: Richard Webb / bugwood.org) Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), also called black gum tree is a North Eastern American native tree producing edible fruit in the fall. long. More, David. vol 101, no. Nyssa aquatica L. – water tupelo Subordinate Taxa. Fall Color - (2002) p … The dark green leaves turn vivid shades of yellow, orange or red before falling, making it an excellent tree for autumn colour. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Lower branches droop with age and will need to b… of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654; range map source information. Images are provided in galleries and are available by common name, scientific name, family, ecosystem, and wetland indicator status. Water Tupelo (early July 2020) Water Tupelo (June 2019) We planted this tiny twig of a tree from a 1 gallon pot sent by mail from Nearly Native Nursery in Georgia, in April 2014. Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as tupelo, black tupelo, black gum or sour gum, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern North America from the coastal Northeastern United States and southern Ontario south to central Florida and eastern Texas, as well as Mexico. Nyssa Sylvatica is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. The wood is light, soft, and close-grained, but not strong. Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) American Forests National Tree Register, Species: Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), State: VA. long, 2 to 4 in. water tupelo Cornaceae Nyssa The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Trees. Louisiana Plant ID is an online resource for images and descrptions of Louisiana plants and ecosystems. The nectar from the flowers makes a fine honey and wildlife eat the seeds produced in fall and winter. long, 2 to 4 in. Female flowers solitary. Landscape Architecture. The closely related water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) is a tree most often seen growing in standing water in swamps and bottomlands in the lower Mississippi valley and southeastern U.S. coastal areas, either in pure stands or in combination with bald cypress, water oaks and swamp cottonwoods. water tupelo Cornaceae Nyssa aquatica L. symbol: NYAQ2 Leaf: Alternate, simple, pinnately veined, 4 to 8 inches long, oblong to obovate, entire margin but may have a few large teeth. stryraciflua) and tupelo (Nyssa uniflora = Nyssa aquatica) trees gtowing in lowJying swampy areas. – This species, confined to southern S. Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, has more than once been introduced to Kew but has never become established and is very probably tender. It has a strongly buttressed base, a tapering bole, and a narrow, oblong crown composed of small spreading branches. Deciduous tree with broad, simple leaves; fruits are dark blue drupes. The website also provides access to a database and images of herbarium specimens found at the University of South Florida and other herbaria. Nyssa aquatica, or Water Tupelo, is a native, large, long-lived deciduous tree in the tupelo genus that inhabits deep river or coastal swamps in the Southeastern United States that are usually flooded most of the year. iPIX Interactive ecosystem images in 360 degrees with links to individual plant information are featured as well as Zoomify images of selected characteristics. Scientific Name: Nyssa aquatica [=Nyssa uniflora] Genus: Nyssa. Bark: Brownish gray, scaly ridges or even blocky (somewhat variable). long. Landowner Factsheet Another species, Nyssa aquatica (Water Tupelo), prefers swamps with standing water and areas along major rivers that are frequently flooded. Fruit: A reddish purple drupe, 1 inch long and tear shaped, flesh surrounds a deeply grooved pit. Flower: Small, greenish white, usually in hanging clusters, appearing with the leaves. Interpreting Wetland Status. C Nyssa aquatica is more of a coastal plain and southern Mississippi River Valley species than N. sylvatica, generally being adapted to … The common name of tupelo is from a … A tree up to 100 ft high in the wild; young stems downy at first, later glabrous except at the tips and reddish brown. The multiple, irregular branches emerge from a trunk covered with dark brown or grey, ridged bark, and the base of the tree often develops swollen buttress-type roots as it … It is in leaf from May to October, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. USDA Plants Database - Leaves. But the shape of the crown varies from tree to tree and, unfortunately, this is looked upon by some architects as undesirable. This plant has no children Legal Status. Recommended citation'Nyssa aquatica' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/nyssa/nyssa-aquatica/). It is hardy to zone (UK) 3. Plant Uses. aquatica L. symbol: NYAQ2 - Water tupelo grows in low, wet flats or sloughs, in deep swamps and often in standing water. long, purple, with a thin flesh, borne on slender stalks; stone deeply and sharply ridged. Fruit: A reddish purple drupe, 1 inch long and tear shaped, flesh surrounds a deeply grooved pit. All material © 2021 Virginia Tech Dept. Tupelo / ˈtuːpɪloʊ /, genus Nyssa / ˈnɪsə /, is a small genus of deciduous trees with alternate, simple leaves. More Information: To contact the editors: info@treesandshrubsonline.org. In the absence of flower or fruit this species can easily be distinguished from N. sylvatica by its winter-wood, its lateral buds being very small and roundish, but conspicuous and ovoid in N. sylvatica. ; N. tomentosa Michx. Nyssa sylvatica var. Leaves oblong-ovate or elliptic, acute or acuminate at the apex, 4 to 7 in. Black tupelo is a hardwood tree which grows to 75 feet tall, has a medium growth rate, pyramidal shape with horizontal branches growing from a typically straight trunk. Twig: Stout, yellow-brown to red-brown, large heart-shaped leaf scar, buds small, pith diaphragmed, spur shoots common. Common names include sourgum, black tupelo, black gum, and pepperidge. (1987) p 109 Parts Shown: Seed, Fruit, Bark, Leaf Art. Description The tree has a huge burl on its lower trunk but appears healthy otherwise. Range may be expanded by planting. Larvae have Looks like: swamp tupelo Common Name: Water Tupelo, Tupelo Gum, Cotton Gum, Large Tupelo, Water Gum Accessed 2021-01-25. Nyssa aquatica water tupelo, tupelogum Habit. Leaf: Alternate, simple, pinnately veined, 4 to 8 inches long, oblong to obovate, entire margin but may have a few large teeth. USDAFS Forest Products Lab It grows mainly in swampy ground which is inundated except in summer, often to a depth of 6 ft. There are no related plants for species Nyssa aquatica. Although not a top quality timber tree, it is used for making crates and pallets. The species has not been reported from the Appa-lachian mountain range, but extends north to Ohio (Darsie and Ward 1981), Indiana (Siverly 1961), and southwestern Michigan (Copeland 1986) in the western portion of its distribution. Female flowers solitary. Orange Co., NC 4/15/2012. Leaves are simple, alternate, and deciduous. Water Tupelo Nyssa aquatica. wide, entire or quite often angular-toothed, dark green above, undersurface paler, finely downy at first, sometimes glabrous later; leaf-stalks up to 21⁄2 in. Water tupelo's range reaches far up the Mississippi River to southern Illinois. Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) (pilens/123rf.com) The water tupelo is an aquatic tree with an open crown of large, shiny leaves and a straight trunk with a swollen base. Nyssa aquatica is native to North America. The colors of the leaves of the Water Tupelo (Sour Gum) Tree are beautifully colored and are sure to catch your eye. aquatica has a buttressed and swollen trunk base and grows in swamps. aquatica have leaves which have longer acuminate ti ps, more toothed margins, and are larger, 5 O to 10O long, than those of N. sylvatica. Leaf Photo. Nyssa ogeche is a native tree which reaches 50 feet in height and is pyramidal when young, maturing to a spreading, flat-topped crown. Leaf blades often with a few irregular teeth typically located near the widest part of the blade, blades to 30 cm long and 15 cm wide, at least the larger on a tree normally > 8 cm wide, petioles of mature leaves 3-6 cm long... N. aquatica (Water tupelo) Nyssa sylvatica is a small or medium sized, broadly columnar, deciduous tree grown for its fantastic autumn colour which is native to parts of North America and Canada. aquatica has a buttressed and swollen trunk base and grows in swamps. 11. A native of the south-eastern USA, in the coastal plain and the lower reaches of the Mississippi, said to attain its best development in Louisiana and E. Texas; cultivated by Peter Collinson in 1735, but very uncommon in Britain. Nyssa aquatica. The picture below is from March 25th 2017, when the Water Tupelo was starting to leaf … Circumference was measured below burl where it was least. It is deciduous and starts very symmetrical with a pyramidal shape, but ages to an irregular form. Download the full-size PDF map. Additional Range Information: Nyssa sylvatica var. Water tupelo's range reaches far up the Mississippi River to southern Illinois. The Trees of North America. For information about how you could sponsor this page, see How You Can Help, Article from Bean's Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles. In the APG IV system, it is placed in Nyssaceae. The state has a high overstory canopy cover (75 to 95 percent) of bald cypress with planertree (Planera aquatica) and water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) occurring occasionally. Sourgum has large, glossy, alternating, ovate leaves, broader towards the tip. Specific epithet means water in reference to areas where the trees frequently grow. Key to Nyssa in North Carolina 1. - Ogeechee tupelo Short-leaf pine (Pinus echinata) is a dominant species in large areas of the Interior Highlands (Ozark and Ouachita mountains) ... (Nyssa aquatica) and/or bald-cypress (Taxodium distichum), both of which can withstand nearly permanent water once they are established. wide, entire or quite often angular-toothed, dark green above, undersurface paler, finely downy at first, sometimes glabrous later; leaf-stalks up to 2 1 ⁄ 2 in. N. ogeche Marsh. Low salt tolerance. In autumn, the foliage reliably becomes a brilliant scarlet-red. External Links: Tupelo gum is similar to black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) except its leaves and fruits are larger. This is just a variable growth form, not a different variety. Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) This champion Water Tupelo of Arkansas made its debut on the National Register of Champion Trees in 2020. It is a tall tree (up to 100') with a long straight trunk that is swollen at the base; Water Tupelo is a frequent associate of Bald Cypress ( Taxodium distichum ). This … It is the largest known tree of its species in the country as reported to American Forests. 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