Species pond cypress
dark-green foliage with brown branches

pond cypress

Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium 'Nutans'

Pond cypress (Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium 'Nutans') is an evergreen conifer with dense foliage and a pyramidal shape. The foliage is composed of fragrant, needle-like leaves that are bright green in color and arranged in two vertical ranks. Also called "Hair-leaf Cypress," pond cypress is often seen in standing water, swamps, and wet pine savannahs. It will grow to heights of up to 50 feet with a spread of just over 25 feet. While slow growing at first, it quickly matures to its mature size with minimal maintenance. The beautiful, feathery foliage offers an ideal backdrop for a garden pond or as an ornamental feature in natural landscaping.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering 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,bronze,green,yellow,tan

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Pond cypress prefers to be kept evenly moist, so water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. During the summer months, water about once a week. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, allow the soil to dry out before watering. Avoid overwatering, which can stunt the plant's growth.

sunlight

Pond cypress (Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium 'Nutans') prefers full sun, meaning it needs 6 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day for optimal growth and health. If grown in partial shade, it will not reach its full size potential. For flourishing, pond cypress needs long hours of bright sun, particularly in summer. In winter, when the sunlight hours are shorter, the plant will still benefit from direct sunlight during the hours it is available.

pruning

Pond cypress should be pruned in late fall or early winter when it is dormant. Pruning should be minimal, no more than 10 percent of the canopy should be removed. Make sure to prune away any dead or diseased branches as well as any branches growing towards the center of the tree. This will help the plant maintain its airy and graceful shape. Additionally, only certain branches should obliquely cut since pond cypress have a tendency to become sparse. It’s important not to over-prune, as this can stunt the growth and health of the tree.

Season

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

Pond cypress typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map