water tupelo Cornaceae Nyssa
aquatica L.
symbol: NYAQ2
Leaf: Alternate, simple, pinnately veined, 4 to 8 inches long, oblong to obovate, entire margin but may have a few large teeth.
Flower: Small, greenish white, usually in hanging clusters, appearing with the leaves.
Fruit: A reddish purple drupe, 1 inch long and tear shaped, flesh surrounds a deeply grooved pit.
Twig: Stout, yellow-brown to red-brown, large heart-shaped leaf scar, buds small, pith diaphragmed, spur shoots common.
Bark: Brownish gray, scaly ridges or even blocky (somewhat variable).
Form: Large tree to 100 feet, several feet in diameter, clear trunk which is typically swolen at base, roots often grow out of soil.
Looks like: swamp tupelo
- Ogeechee tupelo
- blackgum