Contorted Black Sour Gum Tupelo Tree

Nyssa sylvatica ‘Zydeco Twist’ is a strongly contorted black tupelo selected for its zig-zagging branches and unusual silhouette. Glossy green summer leaves turn yellow, orange, red, or scarlet-purple in fall, making it a distinctive specimen or accent tree. [The Dawes Arboretum](https://dawesarb.arboretumexplorer.org/taxon-24819.aspx) confirms the selection and reports it can reach about 30 feet tall and wide; [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/511746/nyssa-sylvatica-zydeco-twist/details) describes the twisted younger growth and lists sun to partial shade. ## Form and siting Give the tree room to develop its contorted branch structure. It grows smaller than typical black tupelo, but can still become a substantial tree; avoid placing it where its mature crown would obstruct paths or nearby plants. Moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade suit the selection. The Dawes Arboretum records USDA Zone 5 hardiness; an upper USDA limit is not established in that source. ## Maintenance Allow the distinctive branches to remain visible and remove only damaged or poorly placed growth. Keep the root area evenly moist while the tree establishes, then water during extended dry spells. Its fall color and unusual structure are the main landscape features; use it as a focal specimen or accent rather than expecting a compact shrub.