Taxodium distichum

Scientific name: Taxodium distichum

Family: CUPRESSACEAE, OR TAXODIACEAE

Common names: “Common bald cypress” “Swamp cypress” “deciduous cypress” “sabino tree” “southern cypress” “white cypress”

Plant Type: Deciduous conifer tree

Conditions:

Zone: 4-9

Light: Full sun – part shade

Exposure: Exposed or sheltered

Soil: Acidic – average

Moisture: Moist, handles poor drainage and wet conditions

Aesthetic:

Plant Size: H 36-60’+ W 12-24′

Leaf and Stem shape: Spiraling alternate leaf arrangement, leaves turn red-brown and drop in winter

Flower: Small ovoid cones

Pruning: Minimal – none, don’t cut out dead wood unless you’re sure it’s dead,

Maintenance: Low, regular water

Landscape use: Specimen tree, swamp or bog garden,

Propagate: By seed

Pests & Disease: None if grown in proper conditions, deer might nibble

Comments: Native to the swamps of South Eastern USA, Louisiana state tree

Cultivars: Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium – “Pond cypress” – will hybridize with T. d. in the wild

Advertisement