Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: Fire is a major enemy of Water Tupelo. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Trees may not flower and fruit until reaching the age of 30 years. Large, glossy, oblong to obovate, dark green leaves (4-8" long) usually have smooth edges (but sometimes sparse marginal teeth) and usually are finely downy (but sometimes glabrous) underneath. R. L. Johnson. Wood is used for crates, broom handles and floors. Greenish-white flowers (male in clusters and female solitary) bloom in spring (April-May). Tupelo gum is usually not grown as an ornamental landscape tree. Noteworthy Characteristics Nyssa aquatica, commonly called tupelo gum or water tupelo, is a large aquatic tree that is native to floodplains and swamps from Florida to Texas north to Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Virginia. Brown. As the tree grows to 10 and 15-years-old, crown form becomes more uniform among trees. 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. Easily grown in medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Leaves turn yellow in fall. Nyssa sylvatica var. The black tupelo tree is th… We investigated physical characteristics of several substrate types in a South Carolina riverine swamp forest, and the effect of those characteristics upon germination and seedling growth of the dominant swamp tree, Nyssa aquatica (water tupelo). We have one or two older examples of N. sylvatica which can grow to between 15m and 30m tall with drooping lower branches and obovate or oval leaves that turn spectacular shades of yellow, orange and scarlet in autumn. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. Before sediment amendment, the vegetation did not differ in these Taxodium distichum–Nyssa aquatica forests with respect to herbaceous and tree seedling composition, and sapling and tree characteristics. All types receive most of their water from surface water, and many marshes are also fed by groundwater. There are many different kinds of marshes, ranging from the prairie potholes to the Everglades, coastal to inland, freshwater to saltwater. Water Tupelo is a large swamp tree which in frequently flooded areas often has a swollen base . Nyssa aquatica, commonly called the water tupelo, cottongum, wild olive, large tupelo, tupelo-gum, or water-gum, is a large, long-lived tree in the tupelo genus (Nyssa) that grows in swamps and floodplains in the Southeastern United States. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. SUCCESSIONAL STATUS: Common buttonbush is a pioneer species in frequently flooded baldcypress/water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) swamps, establishing on rotting logs and stumps . It is finely fissured up and down the trunk, thin and scaly. Greenish-white flowers (male in clusters and female solitary) bloom in spring. It grows to 80’ (less frequently to 100') tall and features a swollen base (like bald cypress), upward tapering trunk and rounded spreading crown. It tolerates poorly-drained soils and can grow in standing water. Trees may not flower and fruit until reaching the age of 30 years. Tupelo gum is similar to black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) except its leaves and fruits are larger.Genus name comes from Nysa or Nyssa, one of the water nymphs.Specific epithet means water in reference to areas where the trees frequently grow.The common name of tupelo is from a Creek Indian word meaning swamp tree. Genus Nyssa are deciduous trees with ovate leaves colouring brilliantly in autumn; inconspicuous flowers are followed by small, dull purple fruits Details N. sylvatica is a small, slow-growing deciduous tree of elegant, broadly conical habit. Water Tupelo. sylvatica grows on moist sites; var. Nutrients are plenti… NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to The relatively large pointed leaves turn bright yellow in fall. Nyssa aquatica water tupelo D S A Nyssa biflora swamp tupelo D S A Nyssa ogeche Ogeeche-lime D S A Figure 2: List of native wetland tree species sorted alphabetically by scientific name, and including common name, and select foliage characteristics. The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers. Special Value to Honey Bees (tupelo honey is sold throughout the South). Key Identifying Characteristics: Leaf shape (broadest near the tip), irregular coarse teeth near the tips of some leaves, and branches held more or less 90 degrees to the main stem, Key to Nyssa. A close relative is water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) which has nearly the same characteristics. Southern Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora Water Tupelo Nyssa aquatica Large, leathery evergreen leaves are glossy green on top and rusty-reddish suede on the underside. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Honey from water tupelo is thought to be the best honey in the world. In Missouri, it is found only in the far southeastern corner of the State in Bootheel swamps and further west in several sinkhole ponds in the Ozarks (Steyermark). Pests and Diseases. Physical Characteristics Nyssa Sylvatica is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. Nyssa sylvatica forms a large deep taproot when young that makes transplanting difficult. But the shape of the crown varies from tree to tree and, unfortunately, this is looked upon by some architects as undesirable. Nyssa aquatica L. (water tupelo) is a large, deciduous tree native to continuously and ... ornamental characteristics, N. aquatica has potential for landscape use based on its tolerance to soil moisture extremes in the wild. A long taproot makes it difficult to transplant. Description 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. In the forest it typically has a dense foliage with a conical crown on an erect trunk which extends continuously into the top. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. 2 Propagation is by seed. N.C. Bees love the flowers of tupelo gum (tupelo honey is sold throughout the South). is prevalent in the nursery trade. Nyssa aquatica Water Tupelo Large tree of swamps and wetlands; Valued for timber; Height: 35-50 Feet Spread: 20-30 Feet Hardiness Zone: 6 - 9 Interesting Notes: Water tupelo has a swollen base that tapers to a long, clear bole and often occurs in pure stands. Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). 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. 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. After the application of sediment in January 2007, sediment-amended swamps had higher elevations and salinity levels than natural swamps. 1913. One of the most striking and … Water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), also called cottongum, sourgum, swamp tupelo, tupelo-gum, and water-gum, is a large, long-lived tree that grows in southern swamps and flood plains where its root system is periodically under water.It has a swollen base that tapers to a long, clear bole and often occurs in pure stands. Tolerates poorly-drained soils and can grow in standing water. Ovate leaves to 15cm in length turn brilliant red and yellow in autumn. Browse pictures and read growth / cultivation information about Water Tupelo, Cotton Gum (Nyssa aquatica) supplied by member gardeners in the PlantFiles database at Dave's Garden. 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. It will grow in moist sites with some standing water. Cornaceae Dogwood family. The root is sometimes used for making floats. It is often seen growing in standing water 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. Male and female borne on separate trees, appearing as the leaves begin to unfold. Southeastern US flood plains, North Carolina. In the Sacremento Valley, common buttonbush/dogwood (Corunus spp.) 3 vols. 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. Fruit grow on slender drooping stalks 3 to 4 inches long. This tree is heat tolerant. Prefers moist, acidic soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. Nyssa aquatica L.. Water Tupelo. Propagation is by seed. (continued) … This plant has a beautiful yellow fall color. Application, location and plant characteristics of the Nyssa aquatica in the Ebben Nurseries TreeEbb. Plus many more species descriptions for trees. Tupelo-gum (Nyssa aquatica L.) seedlings were subjected to soil waterlogging and salt stresses to evaluated the response of this swamp tree species to saltwater intrusion which occurs in some forest along the Lousiana Gulf Coast due to rapid subsidence and brine discharge associated with oil-recovery operations.Hight growth was reduced shortly after treatments began and persisted … It will grow in average moist soil or in very wet conditions. Nyssa aquatica, commonly called tupelo gum or water tupelo, is a large aquatic tree that is native to floodplains and swamps from Florida to Texas north to Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Virginia. Pneumatophores are specialized root structures that grow out from the water surface and facilitate the aeration necessary for root respiration in hydrophytic trees such as many mangrove species (e.g., Avicennia germinans and Laguncularia raecemosa), bald cypresses, and cotton (tupelo) gum (Nyssa aquatica). Nyssa aquatica thrives in soils in which seasonal . The fruit can be eaten raw, often used in preserves. It has a swollen base, large hanging fruit, and brittle twigs that distinguish it from the Blackgum. It scorches the thin bark, allowing entrance of rot-causing fungi. ... Characteristics & Attributes. Nyssa aquatica is very similar and difficult to differentiate from Nyssa ogeche. Water Tupelo has a long, straight trunk, narrow, open crown of spreading branches, and large, shiny leaves. It is hardy to zone (UK) 3. It … Nyssa Aquatica is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in) at a medium rate. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. Deciduous tree with broad, simple leaves; fruits are dark blue drupes. biflora). It is in leaf from May to … Large, showy, white fragrant flowers appear at intervals during the summer. Thin and scaly a congener, swamp tupelo ( Nyssa biflora Walt grows in! 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