an articulated vertical support stand having an articulated base plate for holding and supporting cut trees or staffs having an irregularly shaped , curved or twisted trunk in a substantially vertical , upright position . a horizontally oriented base plate having a central opening is supported by three support members pivotally and removably attached to the base plate at points equidistantly spaced about the periphery of the base plate forming joints allowing articulation therebetween . the support members having sharpened spikes protruding from their upper ends for engaging and gripping the lower portion of the trunk when the lower portion of the trunk is inserted through the opening . the base plate includes a plurality of cam means pivotally attached to its lower surface for engaging the lower portion of the trunk protruding through the opening .