Taxodium distichum, bald cypress
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Coniferous Trees

Taxodium distichum

bald cypress

Cupressaceae

Southeastern United States (Delaware to Florida, west to Texas)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height50-70 feet (15-21 m)
Width20-30 feet (6-9 m)
Maturity30 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Taxodium distichum is a large deciduous conifer reaching 50-70 feet (15-21 m) tall in cultivation with a spread of 20-30 feet (6-9 m), developing a strongly pyramidal form in youth, broadening to a more open, irregular crown with age. One of the few deciduous conifers (along with Larix, Metasequoia, and Ginkgo). Bark is reddish-brown to gray, fibrous, peeling in strips on mature trunks. Trunk base develops a pronounced buttressed, flared form, particularly on wet sites. In standing water or periodically flooded conditions, distinctive woody 'knees' (pneumatophores) project upward from the roots — their function is debated but may aid gas exchange or structural support. Leaves are alternate, needle-like, flat, linear, 0.4-0.75 inch (10-19 mm) long, arranged in two ranks (distichously — hence the species name) along deciduous branchlets (short shoots). Foliage is soft, feathery, light green in spring, medium green in summer, turning russet-orange to cinnamon-brown in fall before the entire branchlet drops — a dramatic and attractive display. Male cones are small, dangling catkins in spring. Female cones are rounded, 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm), green ripening to brown. Growth rate is moderate to fast at 12-24 inches (30-61 cm) per year. Remarkably adaptable: thrives in standing water, saturated soil, AND well-drained upland conditions. Extremely long-lived — specimens 1,000+ years old are known.

Native Range

Native to the southeastern United States, from Delaware south to Florida and west to Texas, concentrated in the coastal plain and lower Mississippi River valley. The defining tree of southern swamps, bayous, and river floodplains. Hardy well beyond its native range when planted in cultivation.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, shade tree, or in groves near water features, ponds, and rain gardens where the buttressed trunk and potential knee development add character, spaced 25-35 feet (7.6-10.7 m) apart. Effective as a street tree (tolerates urban conditions). The fine, feathery texture and fall color are distinctive among conifers. The russet-orange fall display is a standout feature. For smaller spaces, the narrow cultivar 'Shawnee Brave' (columnar form) is available. Excellent for rain gardens and bioswales due to flood tolerance.

How to Identify

Identified by deciduous needle-like foliage arranged in two ranks along branchlets (entire branchlets shed in fall), buttressed trunk base, fibrous reddish-brown bark, and strongly pyramidal form. Distinguished from Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood) by alternate (not opposite) needle and branchlet arrangement. Distinguished from Larix (larch) by flat, two-ranked needles (not clustered on short spurs). The deciduous conifer habit, buttressed trunk, and potential 'knees' are diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height50' - 70'
Width/Spread20' - 30'

Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Spring
Male catkins appear in dangling clusters in March to April. Not ornamentally significant. Female cones are small, round, green ripening to brown by fall. The primary seasonal display is the soft green spring foliage and the russet-orange fall color before needle drop.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Inconspicuous (catkins)

Foliage Description

Light green spring, medium green summer, russet-orange fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysilt
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons. Established trees are remarkably adaptable to both wet and dry conditions — one of the few trees that thrives equally in standing water and well-drained upland soil. Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light. Tolerates a wide range of soils. In the Pacific Northwest, performs well in typical garden conditions despite being native to a very different climate. Essentially pest- and disease-free. Woody 'knees' may develop in wet conditions; they do not typically form in well-drained garden soil. The dropped branchlets in fall require seasonal cleanup.

Pruning

Minimal pruning needed. Establish a strong central leader in youth — essential for the characteristic pyramidal form. Remove competing leaders, crossing branches, and dead wood in late winter. Maintain the natural pyramidal form. Lower branches can be removed to raise the canopy over walkways. Avoid heavy pruning of major limbs.

Pruning Schedule

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winter

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic