Nyssa aquatica, commonly called the water tupelo, cottongum, wild olive, large tupelo, tupelo-gum, or water-gum, is a large, long-lived tree in the tupelo genus that grows in swamps and floodplains in the Southeastern United States. Easily grown in medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, acidic soils. Tolerates poorly-drained soils and can grow in standing water. The common name of tupelo is from a Creek Indian word meaning swamp tree.