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.

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