Tupelo, Cotton Gum, Water Tupelo
nyssa aquatica
Also known as: ["Cotton Gum","Water Tupelo"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, known for its distinctive habit of growing in swampy or wetland areas and its dark, glossy leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Cornales |
| Family: | Nyssaceae |
| Genus: | Nyssa |
| Botanical Name: | Nyssa aquatica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: wetland areas, riverbanks, or near water features
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"−12–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; tolerates occasional waterlogging but prefers not to sit in water.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; adaptable to moist, acidic soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed throughout the year.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to avoid leaf burn; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; prioritize deep watering over frequent shallow watering.
Soil
moist, loamy, acidic soil
pH: Acidic to slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5); tolerates slightly alkaline conditions.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; maintain consistent moisture; enrich soil with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–9; tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 100°F; prefers moderate temperatures in spring and fall.
Protect from frost; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid placing near heat sources in winter.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing stressed plants.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or softwood cuttings; seeds require stratification for germination.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings in spring.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Spring for cuttings; autumn for seed stratification.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture for cuttings.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; peat moss for seed stratification.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seeds germinate in 1–3 months after stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain high humidity for cuttings; be patient with seed germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open up the canopy; heading cuts to encourage branching; remove crossing or damaged branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove deadwood, and encourage airflow; focus on structural improvement rather than heavy shaping.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts; remove dead or diseased wood; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh, well-draining soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during growing season; reduce frequency in winter to prevent waterlogging.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss to improve fertility and acidity; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; potential dieback of tender stems in severe cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap or frost cloth in extreme cold; avoid overwatering during dormant periods.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaf scorch or yellowing; reduced flowering or fruiting.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; mist foliage during extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use appropriate fertilizer type; apply at correct time; follow label instructions; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicNyssa aquatica is not toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known substances that are harmful to felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicNyssa aquatica is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases or studies indicating that any part of the plant is harmful to canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicNyssa aquatica, commonly known as the water tupelo, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does the Tupelo tree grow?
A: The Tupelo tree can grow up to 90 feet tall in ideal conditions.
Q: Does the Tupelo tree produce fruit?
A: Yes, it produces small, round, bluish-black fruits that are attractive to wildlife.
Q: Is the Tupelo tree suitable for wet soil?
A: Yes, it thrives in wet, swampy soils and is often found in floodplains and wetlands.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Nyssaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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