Identify the Gums

The tupelos, or pepperidge tree, genus Nyssa, are a small genus of about 9 to 11 species worldwide with alternate, simple leaves. Most are highly tolerant of wet soils and flooding, some needing to grow in such environments. Five of the species are native to eastern North America.
Tupelos are valued honey plants in southeastern and Gulf Coast states, producing a very light, mild-tasting honey. In northern Florida, beekeepers keep beehives along the river swamps on platforms or floats during tupelo bloom to produce certified tupelo honey, which commands a high price on the market because of its flavor

The Common North American Gums

• Black Tupelo Gum
• Water tupelo

Leaves: alternate, simple, not toothed.
Bark: deeply furrowed.
Fruit: elliptical berry.

ash | beech | basswood | birch | black cherry | black walnut/butternut | cottonwood | elm | hackberry | hickory | holly | locust | magnolia | maple | oak | poplar | red alder | royal paulownia | sassafras | sweetgum | sycamore | tupelo | willow | yellow-poplar

ID Glossary