Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Cornales>Nyssaceae>Nyssa aquatica L.

Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) leaves

Similar to the common Blackgum (N. sylvatica), but with much larger leaves, which have a few coarse teeth. Unlike Blackgum, Water Tupelo is found only in wetlands.

Greenville, NC 11/1/05.

Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) leaves

Washington Co., NC 6/21/06.

Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) leaves

The petioles are long and reddish.

Greenville, NC 11/1/05.

Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) fruits

Ripening drupes. They turn purplish when ripe.

Clarendon Co., SC 6/14/07.

Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) fruits

Washington Co., NC 6/21/06.

Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) fruits

Fruit detail. The fruits are much larger than those of Blackgum, up to an inch long.

Washington Co., NC 6/21/06.

Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) bark

Bark of a medium-sized tree.

Washington Co., NC 6/21/06.

Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) bark

Bark of a larger tree. The bark is similar to that of Blackgum.

Greenville, NC 11/1/05.

Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) bark

Growing in standing water, the trunks form huge buttressed bases.

Greenville, NC 11/1/05.

More information:
Bioimages
US Forest Service Silvics Manual
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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