Species bald cypress

bald cypress

Taxodium distichum var. distichum

The bald cypress (Taxodium distichum var. distichum) is a deciduous coniferous tree native to the Southern United States. It gains its name from the fact that the leaves are shed in the fall, giving the tree a bald appearance. It is a fast-growing tree with light grey, fibrous bark and light-green feathery foliage turning orange-brown in the fall. It can reach a height of up to 35 meters and its trunk can become as large as 4 meters in diameter. It has the special ability to withstand wet soil conditions and is a popular choice for protection from wind and erosion along water bodies and for general landscaping.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun only if soil kept moist, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Bog, Well-drained

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

gold,green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

The bald cypress tree (Taxodium distichum var. distichum) is a low maintenance tree that typically requires little water. It is a very drought tolerant species and should generally only need to be watered when the soil has become particularly dry. During periods of drought, it is recommended to water this tree every week or 2 with about 1-2 gallons of water depending on the size of the tree, to keep the soil from getting too dry. It is important to avoid overwatering this species, as it may lead to root rot.

sunlight

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum var. distichum) generally perform best when they are exposed to full or partial sun for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. However, providing direct sunlight for more than 8 hours a day may lead to leaf burn, so it is important to watch for this. An ideal spot for bald cypress trees would be an area that receives dappled sunlight or has filtered shade during the harshest time of the day. When grown in direct sun, Bald cypress trees do not require supplemental watering. However, it is important to keep an eye on their soil and provide water when the soil is dry.

pruning

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum var. distichum) requires minimal pruning effort for optimal health. Generally, pruning should occur after the plant has gone dormant in the winter or early spring in late winter. It is always best to prune lightly and gradually, only removing damaged or poorly positioned branches—never more than 1-third of the entire plant's foliage in 1 season. If pruning is necessary, focus on removing crossed, broken, badly angled or extremely skinny branches. Pay attention to the shape of the plant, removing branches in order to encourage an open, airy and well-shaped form. Additionally, pruning may allow more light to reach inward branches and encourage healthier foliage growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Bald cypress typically start flowering in April.

Hardiness Map