Four species of tupelo are recognized in this country. They are black tupelo, swamp tupelo, water tupelo, and Ogeechee tupelo. Tupelos probably have more common names than do the members of any similar group of species. One or more members of the genus grows in all of the eastern, central, and southern States. Black, water, and swamp tupelos are important commercially. Their woods are similar in appearance and each is difficult to distinguish from the others, even under a microscope. Tupelo wood normally has interlocked grain and tends to warp when dried. Most of the annual cut is used for making shipping containers; much of it is used for furniture.