Nyssa aquatica

RHS Plant Profile
water tupelo

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Other common names

large tupelo, tupelo gum, cotton gum

Synonyms

Nyssa uniflora

Trees
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A tall deciduous tree which grows naturally in swampy conditions. Its trunk develops a wide base. Glossy green leaves turn orange, yellow and red in autumn. Fruits if they form, are dark purple-black

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Nyssaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched, Columnar upright
Genus
Nyssa are deciduous trees with ovate leaves colouring brilliantly in autumn; inconspicuous flowers are followed by small, dull purple fruits
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
N America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in reliably moist, fertile soil with shelter from winds, in sun or light shade. Does not like being transplanted - see tree cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Banks and slopes

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility