Photo of Taxodium distichum form by Greer Gardens Inc.

Photo by Greer Gardens Inc.

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Buy Taxodium distichum

Also Known As

  • Common Bald Cypress

Plant type

tree, conifer, aquatic

size

  • H: 50'-100'
  • W: 20'-30'

planting zones

  • 4a-10b

1 gallon | $49

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50 at Forestfarm

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Taxodium distichum plant details

Taxodium distichum is a fast-growing deciduous aquatic conifer tree with green foliage. Flowers are not showy, but nurture a healthy ecosystem as wildlife habitat. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun and standing water - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Taxodium distichum

Plant type: aquatic conifer tree
Plant family: cupressaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 20 FT - 30 FT - wide, 50 FT - 100 FT - tall
Uses: bonsai, container plant, fall color, hedge

GROWING CONDITIONS for Taxodium distichum

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: standing water - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A wonderfully tall, pyramidal tree to 50-70' found growing in the swamps and bayous from Maryland to Texas. Although it looks to be a needled evergreen in summer, in autumn it delights with its glowing copper-orange fall color. It develops characteristic knobby root growths (known as knees) in wet areas, but grows well in drier sites as well; the straight-grained rot-resistant wood has been used for many things including railroad ties. This beauty is also the state tree of Louisiana. S/M-W
Bald Cypress trees get their name because they are a deciduous conifer that drop their leaves in the winter. The deciduous nature of this tree makes it an excellent choice for planting south of your home as it produces deep shade in the summer but lets the sun through in the winter. Conifers are better choices for planting near your home compared to most broadleaf species like Maples because the branches are shorter and less likely to grow over your roof.

The other common name for Taxodium distichum is Pond Cypress because this species will thrive in bogs, swamps, and other areas with long standing water. There are very few other tree species that grow so well in poorly drained areas or along creeks and especially with the soft, feathery foliage makes the Bald Cypress one of the most useful landscape trees.

Bald Cypress are related to the Redwoods and is most similar to the Chinese Dawn Redwood, which is also deciduous. Both species are fantastic for bonsai use in addition to hedges and screens.
A large ornamental tree that excels with full sun and moist soils, the Bald Cypress is a pyramidal conifer that looks like a needled evergreen but is actually deciduous. With diligent pruning, it can make an attractive hedge in a variety of growing environments. The tree is native to the swamps, bayous and rivers of the south, though it is found in coastal areas from Texas up to Maryland and throughout the lower Mississippi River valley. It has feathery, light green foliage which turns an attractive copper in the autumn. The oldest Bald Cypress, found in North Carolina, is over 1,600 years old and is considered one of the oldest living plants in North America

By: Instant Hedge

This lofty, deciduous conifer grows 50'-75' or taller. It is slender and conical in youth, becoming flat-topped in very old age. It is sage green with bipinnately compound needled leaves.

By: Ellipsis Gardens

Durable, deciduous conifer adapted to colder climates and drier soils than those in its native Southeast. Lumber is highly prized for its decay resistance. Best planted where it can develop unhindered, as it is naturally a large tree. Amazingly, it thrives from upstate New York to the High Plains of Texas and south to Florida. Despite its large stature, its landscape appeal is evident in its lacy foliage texture, which becomes a distinctive blend of green, yellow and brown in autumn. The shaggy bark and bold architecture of its branching lend striking winter interest. Trouble-free, easy to grow and transplant if root-pruned or containerized.
A fast growing tree for the first 7-10 years; it grows well in highlands, near and in water. It is deciduous and has soft, delicate, fern-like foliage. It makes a beautiful bonsai, and some of ours are pruned to branch low, and some left tall for planting in the ground.
If you have a moist to wet spot, do we have a tree for you! While it will live in a swamp, it's also happy in average moisture. Straight main trunk and conical shape. In standing water, they produce their famous "knees" or aerial roots, but not in drier soil. Stunning in Fall with eye-catching bronzy orange foliage.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

This deciduous conifer is perfect for that "wet spot" where few trees would survive. It has a reddish brown bark and branches that spread out and up. Its pretty foliage is very much like the yew, fresh green in spring, turning bronze before dropping in fall. This tree grows 2-4" a year and in 10 years it may reach 16' high and 8' wide. Very beautiful and distinctive.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Taxodium distichum plant

How to Grow Taxodium distichum

  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
  • Water Needs

    • standing water - regular
  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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