Water Tupelo

Nyssa aquatica

Physical Characteristics

Nyssa aquatica is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in) at a medium rate. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - Virginia to Florida, west to Illinois and Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - occasionally eaten raw but more often used in preserves[177, 183]. The fruit is up to 4cm long, it has a thick, tough skin with a thin acid flesh surrounding a large seed[82, 229].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known