Ogeechee Lime, Ogeechee tupelo
Nyssa ogeche

Family: Nyssaceae

What it is like

Nyssa ogeche is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in). It is in flower from March to May, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 15

Where it is found

Wet swamps on the coastal plain. Found in permanently wet sites or those that are inundated for part of the year.

South-eastern N. America - Florida to S. Carolina.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - cooked. It is used in preserves. A lime substitute. Large with an agreeably acid flavour, they make good preserves and a refreshing lemonade-like drink. The fruit is produced in small clusters of 2 - 3, it is up to 4cm long, has a thick, juicy, very acid flesh and contains a single seed.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Wood - coarse-grained, light, soft, tough, not strong and difficult to split. It has an intricately contorted and twisted grain. The tree is too rare and small to be economically important.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Although this is a plant of swamps and other wet soils in the wild, once established it can succeed in Britain when growing in an ordinary good loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Prefers a neutral to alkaline soil. This plant is probably not hardy in Britain. Resents root disturbance. The flowers abound in nectar and are much visited by bees. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: The seed can be sown in late winter in a cold frame but would probably benefit from an earlier sowing if the seed can be obtained any sooner. Three months stratification at 5°c improves germination. Germination rates are variable. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Bog Garden;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

N. candicans. N. capitata.