Bald Cypress

About this plant

Taxodium distichum, commonly known as Bald Cypress, is a deciduous conifer native to the southeastern United States, renowned for its striking, feathery foliage that turns a rich coppery-orange in fall before shedding for winter. This resilient tree thrives in wet, swampy soils and is often found in floodplains and along riverbanks, where its distinctive “knees” or pneumatophores emerge from the soil, aiding in oxygen exchange in waterlogged conditions. Bald Cypress can grow to impressive heights, often reaching 50 to 70 feet or more, with a broad, pyramidal form that adds architectural interest to landscapes and natural areas. Historically, it has been valued for its rot-resistant wood, which was used extensively in building and shipbuilding. The tree’s adaptability to both wet and moderately dry conditions, combined with its tolerance for urban pollution, makes it a popular choice for

Plant details

Mature height

70 ft.

Mature width

25 ft.

Growth rate

Fast

USDA zones

5-10

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water needs

High

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy, Silty, Well Drained

Spacing

10 ft.

Bloom season

Spring