water tupelo Cornaceae Nyssa aquatica

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.

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