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Ogeechee tupelo

Nyssa ogeche

Last reviewed: November 2026

Ogeechee tupelo (Nyssa ogeche) is a perennial tree native to AL, FL, GA, SC. It blooms in March and April. The flowers draw honey bees.

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Ogeechee tupelo (Nyssa ogeche)
Photo: (c) mfeaver, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Ogeechee tupelo (Nyssa ogeche) 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.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

360"–600" H × 240"–360" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

AL, FL, GA, SC

Pollinators

honey bees

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This tupelo is a deciduous tree with a swollen, buttressed trunk base and glossy leaves, producing small greenish flowers in spring followed by large sour fruit. It grows in river swamps and seasonally flooded bottomland.

Growing Ogeechee tupelo

Grow Ogeechee tupelo in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 360 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 360 inches wide.

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Wildlife value

The spring flowers are an exceptionally important nectar source for honey bees, and the fruit is eaten by wildlife once it falls.

Common questions

How much sun does Ogeechee tupelo need?
Ogeechee tupelo grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Ogeechee tupelo bloom?
Ogeechee tupelo blooms in March and April.
Where is Ogeechee tupelo native?
Ogeechee tupelo (Nyssa ogeche) is native to AL, FL, GA, SC, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Ogeechee tupelo attract?
Ogeechee tupelo draws honey bees.

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

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Ogeechee tupelo? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.