Tupelo
Botanical name: Nyssa
Tupelo
Botanical name: Nyssa
Description
Tupelo comprise a small genus of trees. The Latin name refers to a Greek water nymph, and the common name, tupelo, stems from Native American Creek words ito - 'tree' and opilwa - 'swamp.' Both names covey that tupelo trees thrive in soggy and wet habitats, with some species requiring permanently flooded habitats.
Species of Tupelo
Swamp tupelo
Swamp tupelo is a tree with an interesting bark that resembles alligator skin. It produces blue-black fruits that attract birds, and its leaves turn a spectacular red color in the fall.
Water tupelo
Water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) is a long-lived deciduous tree commonly found growing in swamps and floodplains. It blooms from spring to spring with greenish-white flowers that grow in panicles and attract honeybees. Dark purple fruit ripens in fall to feed small mammals and songbirds. Leaves change from dark green to yellow to offer a colorful display in fall.
Black gum
Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as black gum and tupelo, is a deciduous tree native to eastern regions of North America. It is a medium-sized tree, often cultivated as an ornamental in parks due to the beautiful scarlet color of its autumn leaves.
Scientific Classification
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