Tupelos

The Tupelos, genus Nyssa, are a small genus of about 8-11 species of trees with alternate, simple leaves. Most are highly tolerant of wet soils and flooding, some needing to grow in such environments. Four of the species are native to eastern North America from the extreme south of Canada south to eastern Mexico; the others to east and south Asia from China south to Malaysia and west to the Himalaya. A related genus, Davidia, the Dove tree, occurs in China.

Tupelos are valued honey plants in southeastern and gulf coast USA, producing a very light, mild tasting honey. In northern Florida beekeeepers 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 and the fact that it will not crystallize.

They are also popular ornamental trees for their spectacular red fall colour.