swamp tupelo

Family

Nyssaceae

Scientific Name

Nyssa biflora

Other Common Names:

blackgum

swamp blackgum

Synonyms (former Scientific Names):

Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora

Leaves

Leaves are alternate, simple, dark green and shiny above, paler and often hairy below.

Identifying Characteristics

A moderately large tree, it can grow to over 100 feet in height and 3 to 4 feet in diameter; it has a narrow, oblong crown and spreading root system which commonly produces vigorous sprouts. Bark is light brown, deeply furrowed with scaly longitudinal ridges

Where Found

swamp tupelo, is limited to Coastal Plain swamps and estuaries from Maryland and southeastern Virginia south to southern Florida. It grows on the east side of the Mississippi River to western and southern Tennessee.

Growth Habit

woody bush or tree

Thorns or Spines

not present

Approximate Flower Diameter

half dollar

Dominant Flower Color

green

Flower Symmetry

radial symmetery

Leaf Hairs

no hairs

Leaf Shape

spatulate

Leaf Arrangement

opposite

Leaf Margin

entire

Leaf Structure

simple

Leaf Stalk

shorter than leaf

Stem Hairs

no hairs

Stem Cross Section

round or oval

Milky Sap

not present

Life Cycle

perennial

Ochrea

not present

Plant Type

Tree