Melinda Myers

Bald Cypress

Botanical Name

Taxodium distichum

Min Zone

4

Max Zone

11

Height

50 to 70 feet

Width

20 to 30 feet

Flowers

Monoecious

Fruit

Cone: globular to ovoid, 1 inch, green to purple and resinous when young

Fall Color

Soft yellow-brown

Light

Full sun

Soil

Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic

Planting & Care

• Tolerant of permanently wet soils, but also tolerant of normal soils as long as they are not excessively dry
• Prefers acidic soils
• Transplant balled and burlap
• Very tolerant of strong winds
• Works well at pond edges
• Roots may develop knees in wet soils

Problems

Tussock moth caterpillars

Varieties

• Shawnee Brave - narrow, pyramidal form, original tree is 75 feet tall by 18 feet wide, deep green sage needles
• Cascade Falls - weeping form, 8-20'
• Peve Minaret - dwarf cultivar, 8-10' tall by 3-4' wide
• Green Whisper - very soft, feathery, bright green foliage