tupelo gum
Nyssa aquatica
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size50 to 80 feet tall25 to 50 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Greenish-white
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Tupelo gum (Nyssa aquatica) is a tree for rain gardens, woodland settings, and low maintenance landscapes. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet soil of most types. It grows at a moderate rate and has a swollen, buttressed base. The large, glossy leaves turn yellow in fall. Bees and birds visit it.
Pairs well with Cardinal flower, Beautyberry, and Wild ginger.
Native range
Southeastern United States.