Taxodium spp.
baldcypresses
Southeastern United States, Mexico, and Guatemala
Overview
Taxodium spp. is a small genus of deciduous and semi-evergreen conifers in the cypress family (Cupressaceae), known as baldcypresses, native to the southeastern United States and Mexico. The species T. distichum is a large tree reaching 50-120 feet (15-37 m) tall with a buttressed, fluted trunk, fibrous reddish-brown bark, and a conical crown that broadens with age. The soft, feathery needles are arranged in two ranks along short shoots and turn rusty orange-brown before dropping in autumn, a deciduous habit uncommon among conifers that gives the genus its common name. In permanently flooded ground, the roots produce woody projections called knees that rise above the water. The small round cones, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, ripen and break apart in autumn. T. distichum and T. ascendens grow in southern swamps and riverbanks, while T. mucronatum of Mexico is nearly evergreen and develops massive trunks up to 30 feet (9 m) in diameter, as in the famous Arbol del Tule. The genus tolerates wet, dry, and compacted soils and a wide pH range, and it is hardy well north of its native range. Plants are wind-pollinated and largely free of serious pests.
Native Range
Taxodium spp. is native to the southeastern United States, where T. distichum and T. ascendens grow in swamps, floodplains, and along slow rivers, and to Mexico and Guatemala, home to T. mucronatum. The genus ranges from the coastal plains north along major river systems.Suggested Uses
Planted as a large shade and specimen tree in parks, along streets and avenues, and in wet ground where few other large trees grow, such as pond margins, rain gardens, and detention basins. Its tolerance of flooding suits it to riverbanks and restoration plantings. Narrow cultivars are used where space is limited.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 120'
Width/Spread20' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Bloom Information
As a wind-pollinated conifer, Taxodium spp. produces no true flowers. Male cones hang in slender drooping clusters and shed pollen in late winter to early spring, while the small round female cones ripen through the same year. Pollen release can be heavy on mature trees.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight