Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Tree

Baldcypress
Taxodium distichum

Bald Cypress leaves (needles) and fruit (cones)
Bald Cypress leaves (needles) and fruit (cones)
 
Features
Deciduous needles that are a soft green in summer and change to russet in fall; tree produces knees (woody protrusions that grow up from the ground) when planted next to water. 
 
Culture
Full sun; moist, well drained soil, but can grow in wet sites, even shallow water; prefers slightly acid soil. 
 
Cultivars
'Shawnee Brave' is more narrow than the species. 
 
Mature Height
50-75 Feet
 
Size
Large
 
 
Mature Form
Narrowly pyramidal 
 
Native To:
United States 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 10 
 
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
 
 
Tolerance
Soil Compaction
Wet Sites
Wind
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
 
 
Uses
Specimen
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Brown
Orange
Red
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

Twig blight
 
Additional Notes
This cone-bearing tree is not an evergreen; the needles fall off in autumn.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic