Ogeechee Tupelo
(Nyssa ogeche)
Ogeechee Tupelo (Nyssa ogeche)
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mfeaver
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
mfeaver
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: mfeaver | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: mfeaver | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-10-01T08:51:14-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Nyssa ogeche, commonly known as Ogeechee Tupelo, is a deciduous tree native to river swamps, floodplains, and wetlands in the Southeastern United States, particularly in Georgia and Florida. It typically grows to a height of 50 feet (15 meters). The Ogeechee Tupelo has a moderate growth rate and forms a rounded crown with glossy green leaves that turn bright yellow to orange-red in the fall, adding to its ornamental value. The tree is known for its small, greenish-white flowers that bloom from March to May, which are not particularly showy but are valuable for pollinators such as bees. Following flowering, the tree produces clusters of 2-3 oblong fruits, each up to 4 centimeters long, with a thick, juicy, very acidic flesh surrounding a single seed. By late summer to early fall, the mature fruit takes on a subacid flavor and is traditionally harvested to make preserves or used as a lime juice substitute.
Ogeechee Tupelo is appreciated for its ability to attract wildlife, including birds and bees, and for its striking fall foliage. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, wetland restoration, and as a specimen tree in large gardens and parks. This tree requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and can tolerate standing water, making it suitable for riparian plantings. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to a range of soil drainage conditions. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases and wood borers. Ogeechee Tupelo is not known for aggressive roots or significant invasiveness issues.CC BY-SA 4.0
Ogeechee Tupelo is appreciated for its ability to attract wildlife, including birds and bees, and for its striking fall foliage. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, wetland restoration, and as a specimen tree in large gardens and parks. This tree requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and can tolerate standing water, making it suitable for riparian plantings. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to a range of soil drainage conditions. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases and wood borers. Ogeechee Tupelo is not known for aggressive roots or significant invasiveness issues.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 15-45 feet
- Width: 25-35 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Water Garden
Natural Habitat
River swamps, floodplains, and wetlands
Other Names
Common Names: Ogeechee-Lime, Ogeechee Lime
Scientific Names: , Nyssa ogeche, Nyssa capitata, Nyssa candicans, Nyssa montana, Nyssa acuminata, Nyssa ogeche var. acuminata, Nyssa coccinea, Nyssa oye-chee, Nyssa tomentosa,
GBIF Accepted Name: Nyssa ogeche W.Bartram ex Marshall