When does Swamp Tupelo bloom?

Swamp Tupelo typically flowers in May and June, producing small, inconspicuous greenish flowers along its branches.

What pollinates Swamp Tupelo?

Bees and beetles are the primary visitors to Swamp Tupelo flowers, drawn to the nectar produced during its spring bloom period.

How much water does Swamp Tupelo need?

This tree grows best in consistently wet to saturated soil and is often found in swamps, floodplains, and low-lying wetland areas.

How much sun does Swamp Tupelo need?

Swamp Tupelo grows well in part sun conditions, though it can also tolerate brighter, more open sites when soil moisture remains high.

What kind of tree is Swamp Tupelo?

Swamp Tupelo is a deciduous tree that develops a straight trunk and a rounded to conical crown, with foliage that turns red in autumn.

Is Swamp Tupelo toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp Tupelo as toxic to livestock.

Is Swamp Tupelo HOA-friendly?

Swamp Tupelo is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Swamp Tupelo

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Nyssa biflora

Last reviewed: September 2026

Swamp Tupelo is a wetland tree found across much of the southeastern United States, blooming in May and June with small flowers that draw bees and beetles. It thrives in part sun and consistently wet soil, and its foliage turns red in fall.

Toxicity unknown

Swamp Tupelo (Nyssa biflora) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Swamp Tupelo as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

240"–720" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Interior Plateau Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Swamp tupelo is a medium to large native tree that thrives in wet conditions and produces stunning fall color ranging from yellow to deep red. This long-lived deciduous tree has a naturally pyramidal shape when young, developing into a more rounded crown with age.

Growing Swamp Tupelo

Grow Swamp Tupelo in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 240 to 720 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Swamp Tupelo is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.

Requires consistently moist soil which may limit placement options

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract bees and beetles in late spring, while the dark blue fruits provide food for birds and wildlife. This tree serves as a host plant for several native moth species.

Common questions

When does Swamp Tupelo bloom?: Swamp Tupelo typically flowers in May and June, producing small, inconspicuous greenish flowers along its branches.
What pollinates Swamp Tupelo?: Bees and beetles are the primary visitors to Swamp Tupelo flowers, drawn to the nectar produced during its spring bloom period.
How much water does Swamp Tupelo need?: This tree grows best in consistently wet to saturated soil and is often found in swamps, floodplains, and low-lying wetland areas.
How much sun does Swamp Tupelo need?: Swamp Tupelo grows well in part sun conditions, though it can also tolerate brighter, more open sites when soil moisture remains high.
What kind of tree is Swamp Tupelo?: Swamp Tupelo is a deciduous tree that develops a straight trunk and a rounded to conical crown, with foliage that turns red in autumn.
Is Swamp Tupelo toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp Tupelo as toxic to livestock.
Is Swamp Tupelo HOA-friendly?: Swamp Tupelo is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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