Lawn and Garden

Water Tupelo

The Water Tupelo tree, Nyssa aquatica, is also called the cottongum, sourgum, swamp tupelo, tupelo-gum, and water-gum. Water Tupelo trees are a large, long-lived trees that grow in southern swamps and flood plains where its root system is periodically under water. This deciduous tree has a swollen base that tapers to a long, clear bole and often occurs in pure stands. A good mature tree will produce commercial timber used for furniture and crates. Many kinds of wildlife eat the fruits and it is a favored honey tree. The fragrant flowers entice many visits from spring pollinators. The fall color is yellow to purple.