Nyssa sinensis

Chinese tupelo is in the Nyssaceae family (although it is still placed in the dogwood or Cornaceae family in some databases) and is native to China and Vietnam. It is known in cultivation as a more compact version of its relative black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica ). Both plants, originating from swamps and wetlands, require moist conditions.

• Leaves are alternate, simple, pinnately veined, narrowly ovate and up to 26 cm long and 13 cm across. They are red at first during spring, turning luxuriant deep green above, pale green beneath. The autumn color is a spectacular show of reds, oranges and yellows.
• Flowers are tiny, greenish-white, produced in the leaf axils of young branches during mid-spring. They are followed in late summer by clusters of 2 or 3 blue oblong fruits.