BALD CYPRESS
Taxodium distichum
(Taks-OH-de-um DIS-tik-um)
Bald Cypress, River Cypress, White Cypress, Yellow Cypress, Red Cypress, Black Cypress, Southern Cypress, Tidewater Cypress, Gulf Cypress, Sabino Tree
| Family | Taxodiaceae |
| Description | This ancient tree is native to our region. It can live for centuries and might grow 150 feet tall and spread as wide. |
| Landscape use |
Plant as a specimen for a tall focal point or in a group for a robust yet delicately-textured screen Locate carefully; provide ample space away from structures and utilities |
| Average mature size | 70’ tall x 40’ wide |
| Growth rate |
Slow to fast, depending on water availability and soil fertility Extremely long lived |
| Sun exposure | Sun |
| Soil requirements | Acidic to neutral; can become chlorotic in highly alkaline soils |
| Water requirements |
Thrives in waterlogged sites; develops root “knees” when planted near water or in poorly-drained sites (beware if planted in a mown lawn) Tolerates dry conditions; drought tolerant once established |
| Heat tolerance | High; adapts to urban conditions (reflected street heat and polluted air) |
| Foliage |
Deciduous, dark green needles; delicate, feathery texture Yellow-bronze-brown fall color |
| Flowers | Inconspicuous, brownish |
| Blooming period | Spring |
| Fruit characteristics | Wrinkled, rounded cones |
| Pests and disease | None serious; stressed plants may attract bagworms, spider mites, or develop crown gall. Resistant to cotton root rot. |
| Other |
Consider provenance (origin) of the tree; purchase a tree grown from a regional seed source to ensure adaptability, as nursery stock of unknown origin may not survive (ask your nursery professional) Bald cypresses with a central Texas provenance generally out perform those from Louisiana swamps or the gulf coast which are less tolerant of alkaline soil. |
“The most useful of all coniferous trees for limey garden soils breaks with the traditions of its relatives by dropping its leaves in autumn… but never was shedding for a more worthy cause. The bald or river cypress turns by stages from its summer grey green, to a glowing fawn, and thence to a rich cinnamon and in its process provides one of the true spectacles of autumn.” - Scott Ogden, Gardening Success with Difficult Soils.
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