Nyssa ogeche aka Ogeechee Tupelo

Nyssa ogeche, or Ogeechee tupelo, is a deciduous wetland tree. It belongs to the Nyssaceae family. Its native range covers parts of the southeastern United States. These include southern Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and northern Florida. It grows in swamps, floodplain woods, and along lake shores. Its name refers to Georgia's Ogeechee River.

Garden trees reach 30–50 feet (9.1–15.2 metres) tall. Their crowns spread 20–30 feet (6.1–9.1 metres) wide. Some plants stay shrubby; others reach 65 feet (19.8 metres). Young trees have a roughly cone-shaped crown. Older crowns spread out and become flat on top. Several uneven branches rise from one or more trunks. Older trees may form swollen roots around the trunk base. Brown or grey bark has scales, ridges, or block-like plates. New stems are green. The simple, oblong leaves grow in an alternate pattern. They have silvery undersides and pinnate veins. Fall leaves turn yellow, red, or deep purple.

Small green or white flowers hang in clusters in spring. Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Bees visit the flowers for their rich nectar. This nectar provides the source for tupelo honey. Female trees bear fleshy red drupes that ripen in fall. Birds eat the fruit, which also has food uses. Each fruit has juicy, sharply sour flesh around one seed. Cooks use it in preserves or as a lime substitute. It can also make a drink like lemonade. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards or medicinal uses.

Grow this tree in sun, partial shade, or filtered light. North Carolina State recommends moist to wet, acidic soil. It lists clay, loam, and sand as suitable textures. The tree tolerates floods and sites with standing water. Plants For A Future also reports success in ordinary loam once established. That source prefers neutral to alkaline soil, unlike North Carolina State. US hardiness guidance places it in zones 7–9. British hardiness is uncertain; Plants For A Future questions its survival there. Growth and upkeep needs are moderate. A long taproot makes moving established trees difficult. Shelter from harsh winds remains useful despite strong branches.

Use it for shade, pond edges, rain gardens, or wildlife plantings. Male trees suit streets where fallen fruit would cause mess. Keep fruiting trees away from paths and drives. Serious pest and disease problems are uncommon. Scale insects and tupelo leaf miners can occur. Rust and leaf spot can also affect it. Its light, soft wood has twisted grain and resists splitting. Small size and scarcity limit its value as timber.