Zydeco Twist Black Gum

The Zydeco Twist Black Gum, or Tupelo, tree is a unique selection that will immediately add a point of interest to your yard. Its zigzag branches are similar to that of a corkscrew willow and give the tree an appearance that simply draws the eye. In winter the zigzag branches really pop making this tree great specimen planting for a medium sized area. The black gum is an excellent fall tree and often holds out a little later for its show, but when transitions you can't mistake it. Leaves change from green/orange quickly to red with mottled darker red splotches that make it deeper in color, but simultaneously more brilliant than many of the maple cultivars. When caring for these trees we recommend maintaining the usual mulch ring to protect the tree from elements, competing plants, and yard equipment for the first few years. The roots of a black gum tree should not be kept wet, but the tree appreciates a deeper more prolonged watering regiment than other shade trees and it can tolerate