Plant Profile: Nyssa ogeche

Nyssa ogeche is a native tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. In its youth, it has a pyramidal shape, but as it matures, it develops a broad, flat-topped crown. The tree features multiple, irregular branches that sprout from a trunk adorned with dark brown or gray, ridged bark. As it ages, the base often forms swollen buttress roots.

During autumn, Nyssa ogeche showcases a stunning array of foliage, displaying colors that range from bright yellow to rich purple. However, the tree's fruits can create quite a mess. The nectar from its flowers is used to produce a distinctive honey known as "tupelo honey."

This tree typically thrives in swampy and bay forests, along lake edges, and in alluvial woodlands. Its long taproot makes it challenging to transplant successfully.