Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)

Why – to the surprise of many, the Baldcypress can grow outside of the swamp in dry areas with the right soil.  The Baldcypress does quite well when planted in the right soil in yards or along streets and is a beautiful specimen tree.  It is one of the longest living trees in the world and its rings hold years of climate data. 

Called the "wood eternal" because its heartwood is resistant to decay, Baldcypress is used for heavy construction, including docks, warehouses, boats, bridges, as well as general millwork and interior trim

Relatively insect & disease free.

Family - Cypress

Hardiness - Zones 4-9

Growth Rate - Slow - <12” per year

Mature Height - 50-100’

Mature Width - 20-30’

Sun - Full/Partial

Soil - All

Soil pH - <6.0

Drought Tolerance - Moderate

Water Use - Medium

Gender - Both male & female on the same tree

Flower/Bloom - Green/Purple – Mar/Apr

Fruit/Harvest - Cone/Seeds – Oct

Fall Color - Copper/Rust

Deer Resistant - Moderate

Taproot - Yes

Horse Issues - No

Resistance To - Erosion, fire, pollution, salt, wet soil

Wildlife - Wood ducks, wild turkey, evening grosbeak, squirrels, waterfowl, wading birds, and small mammals

Other Names - Deciduous Cypress, Gulf Cypress, Red Cypress, Southern Bald Cypress, Southern Cypress, Swamp Cypress, Tidewater Red Cypress, White Cypress, Yellow Cypress