Spring/Summer 2017

Trees to Consider: Bald Cypress

Bald cypress is a unique tree that is often mistaken for an evergreen. It is not a true cypress at all but is actually in the same plant family as the sequoias or giant redwoods. Its name is derived from the fact that, unlike most other conifers, it is deciduous, losing its leaves in the winter months.

Latin Name: Taxodium distichum

Common Name(s): Bald cypress, Swamp cypress, Southern cypress

Origin: Southeastern United States.

Requirements: Thrives in full sun, tolerant of permanently wet soils and normal soils as long as they are not excessively dry, prefer acidic soils, tolerant of strong winds.

Expected growth: 70-130 feet

Foliage: Needles arranged in two rows on either side of a narrow stem.

Flowers: It produces flowers in the spring and winter, and small brown or green cones in the summer.

Bark: Attractive reddish-brown, vertically fibrous, fissured.

Landscape Value: Bald cypress, a fast-growing, bog-friendly tree which can thrive in places where other trees may not, such as areas with poor drainage, heavy soils, or excessive runoff from neighboring yards.