OUTDOOR CORNER: MISSOURI'S WATERTUPELO THRIVES IN FLOOD CONDITIONS

Tupelo, you know the name but do you know the tree? You might be one of the many Missourians who could not pick Tupelo out of a tree "line up."

In spite of this you could be surprised to find they are a fascinating native tree that can be of use to people and wildlife.

Nyssa aquatica, the Water Tupelo, is aptly named. Its scientific name literally means "water nymph." This signifies an important character of Tupelo, in that they are one of a few plants capable of living with prolonged flood conditions, without the benefit of oxygen getting to their roots.

Only the Baldcypress can rival their ability to withstand long periods of flooding. Water Tupelo are almost as common as Baldcypress but less well known.

The word "Tupelo" is a combination of two Creek tribal names that refer to tree (eto) and water (opelwu).

Swamp Gum and Swamp Tupelo are additional names that confirm that no matter what language, English, Creek or Latin, the tree is tightly linked to water! Wet and swampy areas are the preferred haunts of this tree. Leaves are oval in shape and are a lush tropical green in color. Bark is gray and rough encouraging moss and lichen growth.

Trees living in standing water tend to have a swollen trunk. Swelling may be just a reaction to permanent flooding but could be an adaptation used to remain standing in soggy soil. A wider base means increased stability and less likelihood of being blown over.

Tupelo shares a trait with people -- the trees are distinct male or female. Male trees have small pollen producing flowers, while females have slightly larger green flowers that eventually grow emerald, oblong fruits. A solitary seed resides within the fleshy fruit much the way a peach has a seed inside its flesh.

The pollen of a tupelo tree has an interesting commercial use. Honey producers that have tupelo trees near bee hives will get a unique honey. Honey that sits for a while will eventually begin to drop sugar out of suspension. This sugar settles to the bottom of your jar and is called granulation. Honey made from Tupelo pollen will not granulate, almost indefinitely.

Beekeepers can gain another benefit from Tupelo. Due to frequent hollowing of the trunks, Tupelo makes a great bee colony home.

Tupelo has other commercial importance in the southern United States. Paper mills can use it to make newsprint and cardboard. The wood of the swollen trunk is lighter and less dense than the rest of the tree and can be used to make fishing floats and bobbers. Mason jar crates can be made from Tupelo due to the grain's odd interlocking fibers. The wood is difficult to split but is fairly strong even when thin.

Although not an attractive wood, Tupelo is used in furniture construction (so long as it is covered), railroad ties, molding, trim, factory floors and novelty items. Historically, Tupelo made great tool handles and cutting bowls for the kitchen. Missouri's market for this timber is low due to limited range and small remaining habitat.

When considering ornamentals in and around ponds, don't forget the Tupelo. The tree is attractive and tends not to be "weedy". The burgundy fall foliage is a graceful accent and adds a great look to any wet area. Seeds may be collected in fall and planted in pots to get them started. As an ornamental, be comforted that Tupelo will not form knees and cause mowing difficulties.

Wildlife make great use of water Tupelo. The fleshy fruit and seeds are used by wood ducks, squirrels, deer and turkey. Hollowed trees provide superior homes for woodpeckers, prothonitary warblers, flying squirrels and raccoons. The boughs provide nesting habitat for insects, birds and small mammals.

Water Tupelo may get to be 50-60 feet tall, but the state champion is 78 feet tall with a bough spread of 48 feet. Its circumference is 19 feet and 9 inches around and can be found at Allred Lake Conservation Area east of Neelyville in Butler County.

Water Tupelo are easy to find at Duck Creek Conservation Area, Big Oak Tree State Park, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and Otter Slough Conservation Area. They are unique trees with unusual adaptations for living in extreme wet conditions. Tupelo are a part of our history and natural heritage. It is a Missouri tree well worth putting a face to its name.

A.J. Hendershott is an education consultant with the Missouri Department of Conservation.