Swamp Tupelo
Nyssa aquatica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Nyssa aquatica (Swamp Tupelo) is a native deciduous tree found in wetlands across the southeastern United States. It blooms in May and June, attracting bees and beetles as pollinators.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Swamp Tupelo as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing Swamp Tupelo
Grow Swamp Tupelo in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 360 to 1800 inches tall and spread 240 to 720 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- Where does Swamp Tupelo naturally grow?
- Swamp Tupelo is native to wetlands and floodplains across 15 states in the southeastern United States, from Texas east to Florida and north to Illinois and Virginia.
- When does Nyssa aquatica bloom?
- Swamp Tupelo produces small flowers during May and June, which are pollinated by bees and beetles.
- What growing conditions does Swamp Tupelo need?
- This tree thrives in consistently wet to moderately moist soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for wetland restoration projects.
- 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 takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
Ready to grow Swamp Tupelo? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz