Zydeco Twist Black Gum Tree - 7 Gallon Pot (3-4')

Zydeco Twist Black Gum Nyssa sylvatica 'Zydeco Twist' Other Common Names: Zydeco Twist Tupelo, Nyssa, Pepperidge, Sour Gum, Contorted Black Gum Plant Details USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 5a-9b (4b?) Find Your Zone Shrub Type: Deciduous Tree Height at Maturity: 20-30' Width at Maturity: 15-20' Spacing: 30 feet for space between trees Growth Habit / Form: Conical, Upright Growth Rate: Moderate Flower Color: Greenish White, insignificant, not showy Flower Size: 1" Flowering Period: Spring Flower Type: Single, in clusters, insignificant Fragrant Flowers: Foliage Color: Dark Green in Summer, showy Gold, Orange and Red shades Fragrant Foliage: No Berries: Yes Berry Color: Bluish Black Sun Needs: Full Sun to Part Shade Water Needs: Average, drought tolerant when established Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Silty Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well-Drained, drought tolerant when established Soil pH: 5.0 - 8.0 (Acid to Alkaline) Maintenance / Care: Low Attracts: Visual Attention, Beneficial Pollinators, Birds Resistances: Cold Temperatures (-20F / Zones 5-9), Deer - more info, Disease, Drought, Heat, Insect, Salty Soil Description If you're into the unique and unusual, meet 'Zydeco Twist', a truly twisted version of our native Black Gum tree, what some folks call Tupelo. It grows in an upright pyramidal form just like its parent but every branch, stem and twig is twisted and contorted for amazing eye appeal, especially during winter when the leaves are absent. Lush and shiny dark green wavy leaves during the warm season turn to showy yellow, orange and red shades in the fall. Make sure to plant this one near patios, decks and other outdoor living spaces where it can be viewed from close up and is sure to be a conversation piece. This one-of-a-kind tree changed hands a few times in its youth, and nobody is exactly sure where it came from, other than it was grown from Louisiana seed. Eventually, it made its way into the hands of celebrated Tennessee nurseryman Don Shadow. Shadow wanted to release the tree to the public, but what to name it? The tree’s discoverer couldn’t be found. Todd Lasseigne, Louisiana native and currently President/CEO of the Tulsa Botanic Garden, stepped in. Referencing Creole music, he suggested ‘Zydeco Twist’ - a tribute to both the tree’s and his own Louisiana roots. Landscape & Garden Uses Growing 20 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide, the Zydeco Twist Black Gum is ideal for use as a focal point specimen in the landscape. Plant it near patios, decks and other outdoor living spaces where it can be viewed from closeup. Suggested Spacing: 30 feet for space between trees Growing Preferences The Zydeco Twist Black Gum Tree grows best in most any moist but well-drained soil of average fertility and full to mostly sun. Established trees are very drought tolerant. Light shade is tolerated. Note: Find helpful advice from our experts under the Planting & Care tab above on desktop screens and below on mobile phones. Plant Long & Prosper! Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff Questions? Contact Us