Ogeechee Tupelo-Lime

Nyssa ogeeche

Size: 3, 7 & 15 Gallon Availability

Tree
Max size: 40’ tall x 30’ wide
Average size: 30′ tall x 20′ wide

Very Moist, Usually Moist
Pond/lake/stream bottom, muck, sand
Sun, Part Shade, Shade
No Salt Tolerance

AKA: Ogeechee Lime, Ogeechee Tupelo, White Tupelo, River Lime, Ogeechee Lime Tree, Sour Gum, Wild Lime

This deciduous tree has an orange fall color and blooms in early spring with small, green flowers. It fruits in fall with red or purple fruits. The seeds are eaten by birds and it is pollinated by bees. It grows along stream banks, ponds, swamps, lakes, ditches, and water gardens. It is a great honey producer, and the fruits can be used as a substitute for limes. It is good for preserves, lemonades, and as a Florida twist on the typical key lime pie.

By burning the bark and mixing in red oak ash, you can make a red dye, which was used by the Choctaw people.