Montezuma Bald Cypress

(Taxodium mucronatum)

Montezuma Bald Cypress (Taxodium mucronatum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Taxodium mucronatum, commonly known as Montezuma Bald Cypress, is an evergreen or semi-deciduous tree native to riparian areas, lakesides, and wetlands in Mexico and Texas. It can grow to an impressive height of 40 meters (130 feet) with a trunk diameter of 1–3 meters (3.3–9.8 feet). The leaves are uniquely spirally arranged and twisted at the base to form two horizontal ranks, giving the foliage a feathery appearance. The cones are ovoid and less conspicuous than the foliage. Montezuma Bald Cypress is distinguished from its relatives, the bald cypress and pond cypress, by its lack of cypress knees, which are root outgrowths common in flood-prone soils. Trees from the Mexican highlands are particularly stout and robust.

Montezuma Bald Cypress is valued for its majestic stature and lush green canopy, which can provide dense shade. It is often used in large landscape settings, such as public parks and spacious gardens. This species is also planted along water bodies to stabilize banks and enhance riparian habitats. While it can tolerate medium amounts of water, it thrives in wet conditions and prefers full sun exposure. The tree is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have fast drainage. Despite its size, it is relatively easy to maintain once established. However, due to its potential size and root system, it should be planted with care to avoid conflicts with infrastructure.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 100-150 feet
  • Width: 20-40 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen, Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to riparian areas, lakesides, and wetlands in Mexico and Texas

Other Names

Common Names: Montezuma Cypress, Montezuma Bald-Cypress, Montezuma-Cypress, Mexican Cypress, Montezuma Baldcypress, Mexikanische Zumpfzypresse, Mexikanische Zypresse, Bochil, Camphoreta, Cedro Bastardo

Scientific Names: , Taxodium mucronatum, Taxodium huegelii, Taxodium distichum var. mexicanum, Taxodium mexicanum, Taxodium distichum var. mucronatum, Taxodium montezumae, Cuprespinnata mexicana, Cupressepinnata mexicana, Taxodium distichum subsp. mexicanum

GBIF Accepted Name: Taxodium mucronatum Ten.