Nyssa aquatica - Water Tupelo From swampy areas of the south-eastern United States, Nyssa aquatica is a large, deciduous tree with a broadly columnar, pyramidal habit and a rounded crown; the trunk has a swollen base. The big ovate to oblong leaves are green, often downy underneath, turning brilliant pink and red in autumn. In late spring, unobtrusive greenish-white flowers appear, and these are followed, on mature trees, by dark purple fruits, 1”/2.5cm long. Also known as the cotton gum, water tupelo is a rare tree in these islands, and an interesting choice where land floods or is boggy. Site: Sheltered Soil:  Moist, fertile, neutral to acid soil; does best in wet soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of interest: Spring to autumnHardiness: Very hardyHeight: more than  50’ (15m)  Spread: more than 15’ (4.5m) in 20 years