(Nyssa aquatica)
The Dogwood Family (Cornaceae)
Large aquatic tree, with swollen base; long, straight trunk; narrow, open crown of spreading branches and light or dark gray bark. Arranged alternately along the twig, the large, dark green, deciduous leaves lighter and hairy on underside, turn red in fall.
Habitat:
Swamps and other water bodies.
Interesting Facts:
Honey bees harvest nectar to make a very light, mild honey that commands a high market price. Light and buoyant wood from the swollen base made into duck decoys and floats for fish nets.
Fruit:
Dark reddish purple drupe (fleshy fruit with a single seed), 1” long and tear shaped; flesh surrounds a deeply grooved pit.
Flower:
Small, greenish white, usually in hanging clusters, appearing with the leaves.
Wildlife value:
Wood ducks, squirrel, deer and other wildlife eat the fruit, and native pollinators, various bees and flies, consume the nectar.
Fruit
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 4.00-12.00 inches
Tree height: 80.00-100.00 feet
Where to find Water Tupelo on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
BCY - Bald Cypress Loop 6.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.