Water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), also called cottongum, sourgum, swamp tupelo, tupelo-gum, and water-gum, is a large, long-lived tupelo tree that grows in U.S. southern swamps and flood plains where its root system is periodically under water. It has a swollen base that tapers to a long, clear bole and often occurs in pure stands. A good mature tree will produce commercial timber used for furniture and crates. Many kinds of wildlife eat the fruits and it is a favored honey tree.

The swollen base of the water tupelo is the source of a favored wood of wood carvers.

References

• Page on Nyssa aquatica in America, from Louisiana State University
• Nyssa aquatica images at bioimages.vanderbilt.edu
• All About Tupelo Wood