Bald Cypress

(Taxodium distichum)

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Taxodium distichum, commonly known as Bald Cypress, is a deciduous tree native to wetlands, deep swamps, and along rivers in the Southeastern United States. It can reach heights of 50-70 feet and a width of 20-45 feet. The Bald Cypress is notable for its pyramidal shape, feathery, light green needles that turn russet-red in the fall, and its distinctive "knees" that protrude from the water in its natural swampy habitat. These knees are thought to help in oxygen exchange and structural stability.

The Bald Cypress is valued for its adaptability to a wide range of soil types, including wet, salty, dry, or swampy conditions, making it a versatile choice for urban planting, large-scale landscapes, and especially for creating wetland habitats. It is often used in groupings in public spaces and has several cultivated varieties. The tree is also appreciated for its wood, which is rot-resistant and used in construction. It requires full sun and can tolerate high amounts of water, making it suitable for areas with poor drainage. While it is a hardy and tough species, it can be susceptible to twig blight and pests such as cypress weevils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 50-70 feet
  • Width: 20-45 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wetlands, deep swamps, and along rivers in the Southeastern United States

Other Names

Common Names: Baldcypress , Bald-Cypress , Swamp Cypress , Gulf Cypress , Red-Cypress , Tidewater Red Cypress , Southern Cypress , White Cypress , Yellow Cypress , Gulf Cypress

Scientific Names: Taxodium distichum , Taxodium distichum f. pendens , Taxodium imbricatum , Taxodium distichum var. fastigiatum , Taxodium fastigiatum , Cupressepinnata disticha , Cupressus disticha var. imbricata , Cupressus disticha var. pendula , Cupressus imbricata , Taxodium distichum f. pendulum-elegans

GBIF Accepted Name: Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.