Also known as Blackgum · Cotton Gum · Sourgum
Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) is a large deciduous tree native to southeastern North America, thriving in wet environments with distinctive swollen trunks.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, though flowering and growth may be reduced.
Constant Moisture Required
100% intensity
Prefers consistently moist to saturated soil; tolerant of standing water.
Clay, Loam, Sand, Silty Soil
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures once established, but prefers temperate to warm conditions.
Aquatic
50% intensity
Low Requirement
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization; a single application of balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Tupelo thrives in consistently wet conditions. It is tolerant of standing water and prefers constantly moist to saturated soil.
Water deeply and frequently, especially during dry spells, to maintain soil saturation. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the tree.
Pruning is typically minimal for Water Tupelo, primarily focusing on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Structural pruning can be done when the tree is young to establish a strong framework.
Propagation is best achieved through seed germination or softwood cuttings. Seeds require stratification (a period of cold, moist conditions) to break dormancy.
Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and treated with rooting hormone.
Repotting is not typically necessary for Water Tupelo as it is a large tree best grown in its final location, preferably in a wetland or water garden setting. If container-grown specimens become root-bound, repot in early spring into a larger container with well-draining, moist soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Nyssaceae |
| Genus | Nyssa |
| Species | Nyssa aquatica |
Similar in genus Nyssa
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
