Arkansas Tree Database

Scientific name:

Nyssa Aquatica

Size:

80'-100' tall

Leaves:

alternate, simple, 5"-9" long, elliptical and sharp-pointed, with a few slightly wavy teeth along margins; dark green above, very pale beneath

Flowers:

greenish white, inconspicuous

Fruit:

1" long, oblong, purplish-black fruit (called a drupe) eaten by wood ducks and other birds

Fall Interest:

orange or red; deciduous

Culture:

sun; medium to wet soil

Disease/Insect:

Use:

rain garden; wood for furniture, broom handles, crates, baskets, pulp; valuable for honey

Cultivars:

Notes:

bark grayish brown with long narrow ridges roughened by small scales; base of tree often buttressed at base then tapering to a long straight trunk; found on sites that are periodically under water; an important food source for wildlife; native to Arkansas