White Tupelo (Nyssa ogeche) and Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) are closely related and often confused, with their names varying by region—“Tupelo” being more common in the South, and “Black Gum” used in the North. While the two names are often used interchangeably, especially in casual reference, White Tupelo is the species best known for producing premium tupelo honey.

These trees are most famously associated with the river basins of the southeastern U.S., particularly the Apalachicola River basin in Northwest Florida and the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, where they grow in dense groves ideal for honey production. Although found in wet, low-lying areas of Tennessee, White Tupelo trees are much less concentrated there, making pure Tupelo honey rare outside the Deep South.

Tupelo trees are a valuable nectar source for honeybees, who are drawn to their delicate blooms that appear from March through May. Beekeepers prize White Tupelo honey for its unique flavor, clarity, and slow crystallization, earning it a reputation as one of the purest honeys in the world.

The trees grow to an average height of 60 feet, and they can live for 100 to 250 years. They begin producing flowers and fruit around 30 years of age, making them a long-term investment in both ecology and agriculture.

Despite popular associations, the name “Tupelo” has no connection to Tupelo, Mississippi—a common misconception. Instead, it originates from the Muscogee (Creek) words “ito” (tree) and “opilwa” (swamp), reflecting the tree’s preference for wet environments.