Nyssa aquatica, commonly known as water tupelo or water gum, is a large deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, typically found in swampy lowlands, floodplains, and along the edges of rivers and bayous. It is specially adapted to wet, periodically flooded environments and often grows with its lower trunk swollen or buttressed to provide stability in saturated soils. Mature trees can reach heights of 80 to 100 feet, forming a straight trunk and a broad, open crown. The glossy, dark green leaves are simple, oval, and smooth-edged, turning golden-yellow in autumn to provide a touch of color in wetland landscapes. Small, inconspicuous greenish flowers appear in spring, serving as an early nectar source for bees, while the oval, bluish-black fruits that follow are relished by ducks, songbirds, and other wildlife. Nyssa aquatica thrives in full sun and prefers deep, moist to wet acidic soils, though it can tolerate occasional drought once established. Its strong wood and ability to thrive in standing water make it ecologically important for flood control and habitat diversity. As an ornamental or restoration tree, water tupelo is valued for its form, glossy foliage, and adaptability to wetland and riparian plantings, contributing both beauty and ecological function to aquatic landscapes.
