Nyssa sinensis

Also Known As

Chinese Tupelo

Plant type

tree, shrub, aquatic

size

H: 20'-40'
W: 15'-30'

planting zones

7a-10b

More Options

Nyssa sinensis plant details

Nyssa sinensis is a broadleaf deciduous aquatic shrub or tree with green foliage. and blue fruit. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Nyssa sinensis

Plant type: aquatic shrub or tree
Plant family: nyssaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 15 FT - 30 FT - wide, 20 FT - 40 FT - tall
Uses: fall color, rare

GROWING CONDITIONS for Nyssa sinensis

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular

Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This rare and wonderful Tupelo from the mountain woods of central China has 4-6" leaves which are hairy at margins and midrib. This is more diminutive tree, reaching 20-50' rather than its 100' American sister, making it perfect for smaller landscapes. The foliage is deep dark-green in summer turning blazing shades of reds, oranges and yellows in fall. This is a perfect tree for pond side, rain garden or urban garden. S/M-W

By: Forestfarm

New leaves bronzy-purple turn dark glossy green, fall-red, pumpkin orange & yellow. Great Plant Pick for the NW. Zones 7-9.

By: Lael's Moon Garden

Smaller than its American cousin (30'), this tupelo has even better fall color, but it is not nearly so hardy. zone 6

By: Whitman Farms

A lovely and vigorous form of the deciduous swamp tupelo, this chinese species grows taller, to 40' or more and half as wide, with apical dominance (uprighteousness...) maintained much more easily than our native North American species. Sun to dappled shade. Best with summer water but tolerates some drought. Also sits happily in winter water. Fall colors are vibrant red to deep oranges to gold. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.

By: Cistus Nursery

We first met this plant at Forest Farm in southern Oregon when it was in full autumn splendor. Red new growth in spring. Deciduous tree 20' x 20'

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Finally we have a few plants of this excellent plant. Nyssa sinensis is a Chinese relative to our Southeast native tupelo. The small to medium sized tree is adaptable and easy to grow. Fall color is stunning red-orange. This is a tree that is practically unknown in American gardens, but should be grown more.