Bald cypress - Taxodium distichum (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Bald cypress

Also known as: Baldcypress, Southern Bald Cypress, Southern Cypress, Red cypress, Gulf cypress, Tidewater red-cypress

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a long-lived deciduous conifer native to swamps, creeks, and rivers in southeastern areas of North America. These trees grow quite slow, but due to their longevity, they can reach remarkable heights. Bald cypress is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate and subtropical regions worldwide.

Scientific classification

Species

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Early fall

Harvest Time

15 m to 50 m

Plant Height

6 m to 9 m

Spread

Green, Yellow, Brown

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Copper, Purple, Lavender

Fruit Color

Green, Yellow

Flower Color

Red, Brown, Green, Yellow

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Bald cypress

Attributes of Bald cypress

Growth Rate

During the Spring and Summer, bald cypress exhibits rapid growth, energizing its development of feather-like compound leaves and adding to its height. This pace results in a rather swift attainment of overall dimensions, while also accelerating bark thickening and root expansion. In contrast, the colder months witness a deceleration in growth speed. Intriguingly, bald cypress's accelerated growth has adapted it well to waterlogged soils where it often outpaces slower-growing competitors.

Distribution of Bald cypress

Distribution Map

Bald cypress is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows in a wide range of locations and is particularly tolerant of very wet places, including lakes. It has become naturalized in parts of western Europe and South America. In fact, it was extinct in Europe before being reintroduced from the United State.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Wet sites

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a popular ornamental tree that adds a blaze of fall color to gardens as its leaves redden. This is an evergreen tree and so gives year-round color. It is a tall tree with a fairly broad crown so is best grown as a feature tree in larger gardens, working well in combination with weeping willow.

Symbolism

Longevity, Healing, Comfort, mourning

Name Story

Bald cypress: It is noted for the russet-red fall color of its lacy needles. It has a characteristic that the leaves fall out every winter, exposing its bare branches. This is also why it is called bald cypress.

Swamp cypress: This plant can grow in various types of soil, but it is most often seen in wet and humid places like the Mississippi River, Lake Cado, and even on the Mobil Coast in Alabama. Therefore, it is called the swamp cypress.

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Quickly Identify Bald cypress

Distinctive narrow, flat leaves spiraling around stem.

Male cones pendulous, female cones round on short stalks.

Male flowers form long, drooping panicles in yellowish-brown.

Fruit with thick, irregular cone scales in rich brown color.

Rough, brownish stems with small, round buds and alternate branching.

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Care Guide for Bald cypress

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Bald cypress thrives in humid environments, often near water, requiring watering every 1-2 weeks. It has moderate drought tolerance and enters dormancy during dry seasons, reducing water needs as an outdoor deciduous tree.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, bald cypress requires no additional fertilizer if planted in fertile locations. Otherwise, apply a diluted balanced fertilizer (N-P-K 20-20-20) monthly for the first year. For plants over 5 years, fertilize annually or biannually, applying in cooler evening or morning hours.

Pruning: Bald cypress has feathery, deciduous foliage and a pyramid shape. Prune in early spring, removing dead branches and thinning crowded areas for better air circulation. This promotes healthier growth, maintains structure, and prevents disease. Use sterilized tools to avoid infection.

Propagation: Famed for its deciduous nature and conical growth, bald cypress thrives in wet conditions. Propagate using semi-hardwood cuttings treated with rooting hormone in a moist, well-draining medium. Regular misting aids humidity, promoting root development. Transplant once rooted for optimal growth into a permanent location.

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