The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Zydeco Twist black tupelo, Zydeco Twist blackgum, Zydeco Twist sourgum

Family: Nyssaceae (tupelo family)

Distribution: Species native to e. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: This is perhaps the most unusual and strongly contorted selection of this species found to date. Found in Louisiana and named for the popular music style of the area. Like other weeping forms, it grows somewhat smaller than the species perhaps up to 30' tall and wide. Bark is deeply furrowed and blocky on older trees. Lustrous green summer foliage turns yellow, orange, red or scarlet-purple in fall. Fruit is a dark blue drupe which many birds enjoy. Excellent specimen or accent in the garden.