Swamp Tupelo
Nyssa aquatica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
360"–1800" H × 240"–720" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 10 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Swamp tupelo is a large native tree that thrives in wet conditions and produces stunning orange-red fall color. This long-lived deciduous tree naturally grows in swampy areas and can reach impressive mature sizes of 30-150 feet tall and 20-60 feet wide.
In an HOA neighborhood
Swamp Tupelo takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large mature size inappropriate for most residential lots
- Requires consistently wet soil conditions
- May appear scraggly in typical landscape settings
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The tree provides nesting sites for birds and its seeds feed waterfowl and other wildlife.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Swamp Tupelo fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.