Nyssa
( NY - suh )
At-A-Glance Information
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This small genus of deciduous trees are highly tolerant of wet soils and flooding, and are native to eastern North America and eastern and southeastern Asia. These trees are commonly known as Tupelo, and thrive in full sun to partial shade with moderate to regular water. Use these trees in moist areas of the garden, along waterways, or on the edges of lakes, ponds or pools. They are also wonderful as shade and street trees, as well as in rain gardens or bioswales.
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Nyssa species and varietals
The genus Nyssa includes between 7 and 10 extant species and is the type genus of the plant family Nyssaceae. The genus name Nyssa honors the Greek mythological female spirits that preside over bodies of fresh water (Naiads). The best growing zones for Sour Gum are 2-10 and 14-21. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Nyssa aquatica (Water Tupelo, Cottongum, Wild Olive, Large Tupelo, Tupelo-Gum, Water-Gum) These trees are native to floodplains and swamps in the southeastern United States. The trunks of these trees often have a swollen base and like to have their root systems submerged periodically. They often occur in large stands. |
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Nyssa biflora (Swamp Tupelo, Swamp Black-Gum) This species commonly grows in wetland habitats in the southeastern United States, and prefers warm, humid climates. These trees commonly develop very large taproots and have swollen bases and roots that can survive flooded conditions. |
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Nyssa ogeche (Ogeechee Tupelo, White Tupelo, River Lime, Ogeechee Lime Tree, Sour Gum, Wild Lime) These deciduous trees are native to a small area in the southeastern United States and produce fruits known as Ogeechee Limes, which have an acidic flavor and thick, juicy flesh. These trees have been widely planted for cultivation in bee farms along the lower Apalachicola River, and the honey made from its nectar is known as 'Tupelo Honey'. |
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Nyssa sinensis (Chinese Tupelo) This species is native to China and Vietnam, and reach 33 feet tall at maturity with an equal spread. Leaves turn brilliant colors of red, orange and yellow in fall before falling from the tree. These trees require moist to wet conditions to thrive, and grow naturally in swamps and wetlands. Variety 'Jim Russell' is a great cultivar. |
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Nyssa sylvatica (Sour Gum, Tupelo, Pepperidge, Black Tupelo, Blackgum) This species is native to the eastern United States and reaches 30-50 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide. They have an irregular, rugged look with age but when young have a pyramid shape to them. Leaves are dark green, pop late in springtime, and turn yellow, orange, then bright red before they drop in fall. Flowers are inconspicuous, and fruits are blue-black and favored by birds. Sour Gum trees are great shade trees, and have beautiful silhouettes in and out of leaf. |
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Did You Know? The city of Tupelo, Mississippi is named for these trees. The city is known for both a devastating tornado in 1936 that destroyed most of the city (and was one of the deadliest in American history) and for being the hometown of the late performer Elvis Presley. |
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Nyssa yunnanensis This species reaches between 82 and 98 feet tall when mature. They are native to China, where they grow in mountainous tropical bogs and marshes. This species is considered to be critically endangered. |
Caring for and pruning nyssa Trees
Choose a sunny location for planting Nyssa trees. They can tolerate partial shade, especially when they are young or during the warmest parts of the day. Tupelos appreciate soil that is moist, acidic and well-draining. These trees thrive in loamy soils, but can tolerate clay as long as it drains relatively well. Some species of Nyssa can be grown (and some even prefer to be grown) in boggy or waterlogged conditions, so these soil requirements do vary somewhat across the genus. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of trees to suppress weed growth, increase soil moisture retention, and help to regulate soil temperatures. For young trees, keep soil consistently moist as they develop a strong root system. After a few years in the ground, waterings can be lessened. Mature trees are considered to be drought-tolerant (though this depends on the species grown), and will grow best with regular deep waterings during dry spells.
These trees do not require heavy feedings and typically do well with a simple application of organic compost to their root zone yearly in springtime. If trees seem to be struggling or foliage is somewhat discolored, trees may benefit from an extra feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10). Avoid over-fertilizing trees, as this can negatively affect their growth and development over time. These trees also don't require heavy prunings, and have a natural broadly conical shape. Prunings should focus on maintaining this form instead of changing it. In late winter or early springtime, remove dead, broken, or diseased branches and lightly shape the canopy by removing crossing or poorly placed branches. Don't prune off too much foliage at any one time, as this can damage the tree and open it up to attacks from pests and disease.
Harvesting Ogeechee Lime
A species of Tupelo, Nyssa ogeche, produces edible fruits that are ready for harvesting when they are deep red in color. This typically happens in autumn. Fruits can be twisted off of their attachments at this time, and should have a little give when pressed. Fruits are typically used as a substitute for lime in most dishes, including drinks and preserves. They are typically too acidic to be eaten raw, but are favorites of wildlife.
These trees do not require heavy feedings and typically do well with a simple application of organic compost to their root zone yearly in springtime. If trees seem to be struggling or foliage is somewhat discolored, trees may benefit from an extra feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10). Avoid over-fertilizing trees, as this can negatively affect their growth and development over time. These trees also don't require heavy prunings, and have a natural broadly conical shape. Prunings should focus on maintaining this form instead of changing it. In late winter or early springtime, remove dead, broken, or diseased branches and lightly shape the canopy by removing crossing or poorly placed branches. Don't prune off too much foliage at any one time, as this can damage the tree and open it up to attacks from pests and disease.
Harvesting Ogeechee Lime
A species of Tupelo, Nyssa ogeche, produces edible fruits that are ready for harvesting when they are deep red in color. This typically happens in autumn. Fruits can be twisted off of their attachments at this time, and should have a little give when pressed. Fruits are typically used as a substitute for lime in most dishes, including drinks and preserves. They are typically too acidic to be eaten raw, but are favorites of wildlife.
Propagation
The best way to propagate Nyssa, or Tupelo, trees is by seed. While possible, propagating Nyssa trees from cuttings is considered to be difficult and has limited success. To propagate your Nyssa tree, follow the instructions below.
Propagating Nyssa by Seed
Propagating Nyssa by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
- Harvest your seeds. Seeds are contained inside of the fruits on the tree, which are typically ready for harvesting in autumn in most climates. Remove fruits from the tree, or pick them up off of the ground if they have started to drop already, and place them in a paper bag. Gather as many as you can and bring them indoors. Remove seeds from fruits by cutting them open, and rinse any remaining flesh from seeds with lukewarm water.
- Seeds will need to be cold-stratified; to do so, place them in a plastic bag or other sealable container filled with moistened peat moss or sand. Place the container in the refrigerator and leave it for between 30 and 60 days' time. Remove the seeds and then take them out to work with them.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Nyssa seeds are contained inside of the fruits produced by trees in autumn. They can either be red or dark blue when ripe, depending on the species.
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Nyssa seeds look a bit like light-colored Almonds. There is one seed contained in each fruit.
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Problems and Pests
These trees are typically pest and disease-resistant, but can occasionally suffer from the following:
- Aphids
- Scale Insect
- Leaf Spot
- Root Rot
Gallery
Nyssa flower buds.
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Nyssa fruits contain seeds with genetic material for the next generation of trees.
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Ogeechee Limes are produced by Nyssa ogeche trees.
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Videos
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Why you should grow a Tupelo tree in the garden.
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Learn about the multi-season interest of these trees.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 458, Nyssa sylvatica
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