Water Tupelo Tree Seeds (Nyssa aquatica)
Water Tupelo Tree Seeds (Nyssa aquatica)
Floodplain anchor. Southern soul.
Nyssa aquatica, the Water Tupelo, is a swamp-loving native known for its swollen trunk base, glossy green leaves, and fruit that sustains diverse wildlife. Perfectly adapted to life in standing water, it forms the backbone of Southern wetlands—bringing beauty, habitat, and stability to the water’s edge.
- Native to the southeastern United States
- Thrives in deep, standing water and heavy, wet soils
- Produces small fruits eaten by ducks, deer, and fish species
- Distinctive flared trunk adds visual interest and strong flood resilience
Growing Details
Botanical Name: Nyssa aquatica
Stratification: Required (60–90 days cold stratification)
USDA Zones: 6–9
Soil: Prefers wet, acidic, poorly drained soils
Light: Full sun
Height: 50–100 feet
Spread: 20–40 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Plant it where few trees dare to root—resilient, ecological, and made for the deep South.
FAQ
Can Water Tupelo grow in standing water?
Yes. Water Tupelo is one of the few native trees that can thrive in flooded or swampy conditions year-round.
Is Water Tupelo good for wildlife?
Absolutely. Its fruit is a key food source for ducks, deer, fish, and many bird species that inhabit wetlands.
How does Water Tupelo handle flooding?
Its flared trunk and specialized roots allow it to survive months of inundation, making it ideal for floodplain planting.
Related Seeds
- Swamp Tupelo Tree Seeds — Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora
- Bald Cypress Tree Seeds — Taxodium distichum
- American Elm Tree Seeds — Ulmus americana
Evergreen Seed Co. provides high-germination, field-tested tree seeds trusted by rewilders and restoration projects nationwide. Each seed is carefully sourced, cleaned, and packaged with full growing instructions.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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