Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Nyssa ogeche, also known as Ogeechee tupelo, is a deciduous tree that grows up to 15 meters tall. It is in flower from March to May, with seeds ripening from August to October, attracting bees and other wildlife. This tree thrives in moist sites, bordering rivers, swamps, and ponds that are frequently inundated. The mature fruit, referred to as Ogeechee lime, has a subacid flavor and is typically used in preserves or a refreshing lemonade-like drink. Thousands of hectares of Ogeechee tupelo have been planted on bee farms, as the honey made from the nectar is known as "tupelo honey." While the wood is of little economic value, it is noted for attracting wildlife and is found in abundance along the Ogeechee, Altamaha, and Suwannee Rivers. This rare and small tree is a minor component in forest cover types, associating with other trees such as baldcypress, pine, sweetbay, and oak. The climate over the entire range is humid to subhumid, with an average rainfall of 1295 mm and a growing season of 270 days.